Baldwin voters chose new leadership Tuesday, electing Douglas Faust as the city’s next mayor and returning former Mayor Joe Elam to city government.
Faust, a political newcomer and former CEO of the Decatur Housing Authority, defeated incumbent councilwoman Alice Venter with 55% of the vote. He received 182 votes across Habersham and Banks counties to Venter’s 147.
Elam will return to the Baldwin council after winning 65% of the vote over James Wiese. Elam received 203 votes to Wiese’s 111.
In Clarkesville, former councilwoman Leigh Johnston will rejoin the city council. Johnston defeated Rick Coulon with nearly 59% of the vote, 203 to 142 votes.
Demorest voters also returned two incumbents to office. Councilmen Shawn Allen and Andrew Ferguson were the top finishers in a four-candidate race, receiving 158 and 117 votes, respectively. Jim Welborn finished with 110 votes, and Patti Davis received 72.
