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By Alex Amos

Incumbent Mandy Neese prevailed in Tuesday’s Hogansville City Council election against challenger Bridget Phillips, keeping her title as councilwoman.

Neese won with 220 votes to Phillips 190, a margin of only 7%.

“I’m pleased with my outcome, and I’m grateful that Mark [Ayers] has been reelected as well,” said Neese.

“How close could it have ever been right? It’s a lot to take in, but yeah, I am certainly proud that the citizens chose me again.”

Neese continued to comment on her excitement for working with newly-elected Kandis Strickland along with the rest of her colleagues on new and ongoing projects such as the infrastructure needs of the city.

“Well it’s back to continuing what I’ve done for the last four years, which is to continue to represent this entire community,” Neese said.

“I want to represent everybody who lives here and push forward with our water and sewer and road projects and to make this the best community to deal with so that people want to stay here and more people want to come here.”

Neese also congratulated Phillips for her commendable fight in the polls, urging more people to run for office in the future.

“I appreciate that she ran, and I think that it takes a lot for someone to run and put themselves on the stage,” said Neese. “I’m glad that she ran because it encourages more people to do so, and we need people to step up and take that chance in the future.”

Phillips mentioned that she will continue on another chapter in her life.

“It’s just one challenge that I will have to put behind me and move onto the next level,” Phillips said. “I will continue attending council meetings to stay updated with everything.”