Gerald wins Loris council run-off

Council member elect Kelli Gerald

By JENN BOYD

tribjenn@tabor-loris.com

     Kelli Gerald secured a seat on Loris City Council with a decisive 236 to 154 victory over former council member Jan Vescovi in Tuesday’s special election run-off.

     “I am elated, and I am thankful for all the citizens that voted for me,” Gerald said after the voters were counted. “Thank you for your love and support, and I am eager to begin serving the citizens of Loris.”

     Gerald was the top vote getter in the March 26 special election called to fill the vacancy created by the election of council veteran as mayor last November.

     Though she edged out Vescovi in the three person race for council, her 49.32 percent of the vote total did not reach the 50 percent plus 1 vote threshold to avoid the runoff.

     Turnout was light Tuesday, with about 24 percent, 390 of the town’s 1,602 registered voters making it to the polls.

     Swearing in for the new council member had not been scheduled Tuesday.