Incumbent, 3 Newcomers Seize Town Council Seats

Incumbent Edith Wiggins prevailed with the most votes. Newcomers Dorothy Verkerk, Ed Harrison and Mark Kleinschmidt also won seats on the council, according to unofficial returns.

"I'm really grateful to the citizens for re-electing me," Wiggins said. "It speaks about support."

Dorothy Verkerk placed second and said her support kicked up once her campaign got rolling.

"It was a humbling experience to have so many people believe in me," Verkerk said.

Verkerk, an art history professor at UNC, said she plans to place the University's concerns high on her agenda.

"I care deeply about the University," Verkerk said. "One of the things that I really understand is the University's transportation needs."

Verkerk said a big issue that she will address is the creation of better public transportation in Chapel Hill.

Ed Harrison, who received the third largest number of votes, also emphasized his plans to focus on transportation as a council member.

"One thing I want to get involved in quite soon is regional transportation," Harrison said. "We have a real chance to move ahead in transportation."

After he learned of his victory, Harrison said he was looking forward to being on the council. "I'm very grateful to the people who voted for me," he said.

Mark Kleinschmidt, the fourth victor in the council race, said he couldn't believe it when his victory was first announced.

"I'm ecstatic, thrilled and humbled," said Kleinschmidt, who served as speaker of Student Congress in 1999-2000 while he was a law student at UNC. "To have complete strangers come up to me and say that they like me has been a very humbling experience."

This year's election was a battle for four available seats, two of which were vacated when council members Kevin Foy and Lee Pavao relinquished their positions to run for Chapel Hill mayor.

Joyce Brown also chose to resign from her position. Wiggins' seat was also up for grabs because her term had expired.

Wiggins said she is optimistic about working with the new members.

"We make smarter decisions when we have different views."

Staff Writers Ben Brooks, Gretchen Decker, Angela Newsome and Amanda Wilson contributed to this article.

The City Editor can be reached

at citydesk@unc.edu.