By Staff
Melissa Cason
RED BAY – Voters continued to show their desire for change Tuesday by electing a new mayor, six weeks after electing an entirely new city council.
Voters finished "cleaning house" Tuesday night as political newcomer Bobby Forsythe defeated incumbent Mayor Jeff Reid by more than 200 votes.
Forsythe defeated Reid 628 to 418.
"I want to congratulate Bobby," Reid said. "Now we need to get behind our new mayor and council. Let's continue to move Red Bay forward."
Reid was elected to the city council in 2004 and was appointed mayor a year later following the death of former Mayor Tommy Nelson.
Forsythe said he is appreciative of all the voters who turned out in his support, but the real work is ahead.
"The biggest issue is the economy of the next four years," Forsythe said.
"We're no different than the rest of the nation."
Forsythe said tough decisions lay ahead for the council, but he plans to be proactive in recruiting new businesses and industries for the city.
Forsythe said he looks forward to working as a team with the new council beginning in November to create a better Red Bay.
"I lost my individuality tonight," he said. "From this point on, the mayor and council are a team of "we." We no longer operate as individuals but as a team for the better of the citizens of Red Bay."
Forsythe said he appreciates the love and support he has received from his family.
Forsythe and the new council will be sworn into office on November 3. The new city council will be comprised of Mike Kennedy, Mike Stockton, David Tiffin, Charlene Fancher and Brad Bolton.
Forsythe commended Reid and fellow candidate Lester Deaton for the races they ran.
"I'm in great appreciation to Mayor Reid and Lester Deaton," Forsythe said. "We've butted heads in an election and through all of the campaigning, I never had one cross word or any difficulty. I appreciate that type of campaigning."