Callihan, incumbent councilmembers to serve new terms
The Tuesday, Nov. 7, municipal election brought no changes to the governmental structure of East Ellijay.
In the race for mayor, incumbent Mayor Don Callihan, who received 101 votes, prevailed by a wide margin over challenger Thomas Ocobock, who received 12 votes.
Callihan, formerly East Ellijay’s mayor pro tem when he was a councilmember, was appointed to fill the mayoral seat earlier this year following the death of longtime mayor Mack West. This is his first election win for mayor.
“I would like to say that I am very thankful and appreciative of the support of the citizens of East Ellijay. I will do my best to live up to their expectations,” said Callihan following the election.
East Ellijay’s city council also remains unchanged, despite some new candidates running this year.
As of Jan. 1, the council will still be comprised of incumbents Chris Callihan (90 votes), Ed Forrester (64 votes), James Waters (60 votes) and Linda Smith (55 votes).
Also on the ballot were Veronica Kincaid (46 votes) and Cindy Hoyle Musselwhite (39 votes).
According to election officials, this was East Ellijay’s first municipal election in 12 years. The mayor and councilmembers faced no opposition in the election years between then and now.
There are currently 414 registered voters in East Ellijay. The 114-voter turnout, which includes Election Day and early/absentee voting, represents 27.5 percent of the city’s registered voters.