Former Itta Bena Mayor Thelma Collins has won her seat back by a landslide, according to an unofficial tally Tuesday.
Collins, a retired school teacher, garnered 400 votes, or 75 percent, versus incumbent J.D. Brasel, who earned 134 votes, or 25 percent, from the four wards of Itta Bena.
"I think the people just knew a change was needed. Prior to this administration, I had made progress. I want to continue this progress now," Collins said.
Collins, 60, will take a week off after a long campaign. After that, she plans to begin evaluating the immediate needs of Itta Bena.
"I want to find out where we are in terms of revenue and financial stability. We need to start taking a look at the issues that need to be tended to," she said.
Collins attributes her successful campaign to hard work and diligence.
Brasel said the people made their choice on Tuesday.
"The people elected who they wanted to be the next mayor. I'm sure she'll do a good job. I've got no hard feelings towards Thelma. Everybody has a right to run for the position," he said.
Once he's out of office, Brasel expects to continue with his business, Brasel Electric, and his 44 Brasel mini stores in Itta Bena.
Until Collins takes office, Brasel said he will tie up loose ends and finish what he can on a water and sewer project.
He would also like to continue on the road work he began during his administration.
Running again for mayor is still too far away to decide for now, said Brasel.
All candidates in Itta Bena ran as independents. Donald Fulgham in Ward 4 and Mary Hines in Ward 1 were unopposed in the election.
Tuesday's results only included the voting machine tallies. Absentee ballots will be counted beginning at 1 p.m. today at City Hall.
The closest race of the night was in Ward 2, between incumbent Lousia Grantham and George Copprue Jr. Only a five-vote difference in Copprue's favor keeps him in the lead with 80 votes, or 51 percent. Grantham received 75 votes, or 48 percent.
Incumbent Alderwoman-at-Large Allene Fitts received 150 votes, or 28 percent of the vote. She lost to Elmus Stockstill, who gained 376 votes, or 72 percent.
Stockstill, a field representative for Congressman Bennie Thompson, is excited about taking the seat.
"I am now in a position to set forward the goals I set out in my campaign. The people are ready for a change in city government," he said.
Stockstill said he had great campaign staff that was diligent in going door-to-door.
A priority issue Stockstill expects to address is the infrastructure of the city.
"I want to make sure we have a strategic plan for Itta Bena. I want to set my sights on the city's problems, particularly the roads, sewers and lighting," he said.
Walter Parker, 41, kept his seat as alderman for Ward 3 with 91 votes, or 74 percent. Challenger Claude Purnell, a former alderman, received 26 percent of the vote with 32 votes.
The boards in Cruger and Morgan City each will have one new member.
Steve Flemming will join the board in Cruger along with Carolyn Harris, Mary Pitchford, Katherine Granderson and Rob Farmer.
In Morgan City, Royce A. Moses is the newest member, joining Carolyn C. Branch, Billy Haggie Sr., James G. Johnson and Bert Robertson.
Robertson was elected to his first full term. He had served for two years, having been chosen to fill an unexpired term after Adam Black moved away.
