More than 70 percent voted to retain Williams Mayor John Moore in yesterday's election. Out of 511 votes cast, Moore received 342, with challenger Andy Brock receiving 116. There were 29 write-in votes for the mayoral office. Incumbent Williams City Councilman Don Dent retained his seat, with 331 votes. Newcomer Lee Payne claimed a council seat with 297 votes.
Challenger Bernie Hiemenz will face incumbent Councilman Kevin Young in the May 18 general election. Hiemenz received 220 votes. Young trailed slightly with 215 votes. Challengers Buck Williams, with 158 votes, and Mark Pixley, with 140 votes, will not appear on the May 18 ballot. There were seven write-in votes for city council.
Nearly 75 percent - 339 voters - said yes to Home Rule, with 119 voting no. Voter approval is required for Home Rule every four years. Home Rule allows local elected officials to set the city's annual budget. Without this measure the state would mandate the total amount the city can spend. Without Home Rule many services currently offered by the city would be eliminated. Out of 90 Arizona cities and towns, 77 - or 85 percent - currently operate under the Home Rule option.
Of 1,514 registered voters, 511 - 33 percent - voted in yesterday's election.
The last day to register to vote in the May 18 election is April 19. Early voting begins April 22. The last day to request an early ballot via mail is May 7. The last day to vote early in person is May 14.
For more information, contact the Elections Office at (928) 679-7860.
