By one of the narrowest margins in recent election history, Senoia residents elected a new mayor Tuesday.

Former City Councilman Robert Belisle defeated Mayor Robert Hannah by a count of 219-207. The mood at Belisle’s house when the results were announced bordered on pandemonium and Belisle appeared humbled by the support given to him by the voters.

Belisle thanked the crowd and pledged to work hard in January to restore honesty and ethics to the city’s government. One of Belisle’s main campaign issues was the undisclosed purchase of property by Hannah next to a 47-acre tract on Pylant Street the city later purchased as park property.

Hannah was not available by press time to comment on the election results.

But the mayor’s race was not the only close contest in Senoia Tuesday. In one of the City Council races, an incumbent was returned to office by one vote. In the slate of three candidates for two City Council positions, political newcomer Keith Harrison led the field with 294 votes and won a council seat. In second place was incumbent Larry Owens with 209 votes and incumbent Tony Miller finished third with 208 votes.

Owens will return to the City Council in January, but said he would ask for a recount of the vote. “I just think it’s the fair thing to do, since only one vote decided the race,” Owens said.

In the other council race, Perry Benson defeated former city administrator Murray McAfee by a 221-173 count. During his campaign, Benson pledged to unite the city and work for all the residents.

In a statement released Thursday, Benson thanked his supporters and encouraged everone to get involved in the process.

“You have the right to be heard and I encourage you to support your dreams for our city by becoming involved. Be an Ambassador for the city. There are openings on planning and zoning, beautification and the historic preservation commission. Write a letter to the city administrator and drop it off at city hall stating your interest you will be contacted to participate. These are very important openings that you need to fill to fulfill the needs for greater quality in Senoia. You control the future of this city. Let's get excited about the possibilities, telephone me or email me at councilmanbenson@yahoo.com to share with me your concerns, ideas and willingness to get involved. It's a new day, you've elected me to hear you and now I encourage you to be heard. I will see you at the council meeting December 5 at 7 p.m.” Benson wrote.

One of the biggest surprises of the evening was the vote to approve Sunday liquor-by-the-drink sales. Residents approved the measure by a 223-202 margin. Speculation tuesday night revolved around such restaurants as Ruby Tuesday and Applebee’s coming to town at the as yet-undeveloped parcel at the intersection of Ga. highways 16 and 85, but city staff will still have to draw up the ordinance outlining the rules and regulations for Sunday sales.

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