VAIDEN — The Democratic primary runoff for Carroll County Beat 1 supervisor was a nail-biter, with only 14 votes separating Jim Neill Jr. and Scott Montgomery when all votes were certified Tuesday evening.
But in the end, Neill won a narrow victory over Montgomery. He will run against independent William “Bill” Gardner in the November general election.
When all votes were counted, including 30 absentee and six affidavit votes, Neill had 354 votes to Montgomery’s 340.
Three of the four precincts were very close, with Montgomery leading in North Carrollton and Jefferson and Neill leading in McCarley and Calvary.
In the Calvary precinct, Neill carried the largest majority of the four precincts, with 68 votes to Montgomery’s 19. In McCarley, Neill got 124 to Montgomery’s 106.
Montgomery won in North Carrollton with 146 votes to Neill’s 107. In the Jefferson precinct, Montgomery got 69 votes to Neill’s 55.
Neill said he felt good about winning. “I’m looking forward to getting to work for the people of Carroll County. I’m going to be talking to the people of Beat 1 to get ready for the general election,” he said.
“My opponent ran a very good race. I thank the voters of Beat 1 for making me the Democratic nominee,” Neill said.
Montgomery said he is thankful for his family and friends and the people who supported him in the race.
“I love Carroll County. I will continue to work to make Carroll County a better place,” he said.
