Kirby gets nod as new Berryville mayor
By Hannah Hager
Town council member Wilson Kirby captured the Berryville mayoral election by a landslide Tuesday, winning by a margin of 285 votes over Alyssa Adams.Kirby recorded 389 votes to 104 for Adams. Turnout was 21 percent for Berryville's elections, as 511 cast ballots out of 2,471 registered voters. Two years ago, the turnout percentage was 13.6.
"I've prepared my entire adult life to be mayor," said Kirby, referring to a lifetime of experience as a businessman and engineer. "This job as mayor was a job being advertised with experience."
Kirby will replace Rick Sponseller, who when his term expires July 1 of this year will step down after 20 years as Berryville's mayor.
Mary Daniel (Ward 3) and Lawrence Russell (Ward 1) retained their town council seats.
Kirby believes his six years serving on the town council, during which time he has been a member of the police and security, community development and streets and utilities committees, resonated with voters.
After receiving the news at the registrar's office off Church Street, Kirby almost immediately turned his focus on the voters. He campaigned door-to-door, fostering relationships that he hopes to retain with constituents by establishing mayoral open office hours.
"I want to draw the citizens closer to our town government and the opportunity to meet with me will be a step in that direction," Kirby said.
Taking occupancy of the new government center and completing the engineering design
of the wastewater treatment plant up-grades remain at the top of Kirby's agenda, according to a
typewritten letter he presented to the Times-Courier upon hearing the unofficial results.
Kirby said he had a sense that it would turn out this way, based on the comments from people in the community and "the feeling within."
Sponseller offered some words of advice to the new mayor before the unofficial results were announced.
"You're elected to do the job, you're not elected to react to each opinion or complaint from every citizen," Sponseller said. "But, you have to certainly take them into account.
"At the end of the day, you have to follow your conscience and your heart."
Kirby called the election victory very meaningful from the standpoint of a personal achievement and a spiritual victory.
"Spiritually, this victory is an answer to prayer," Kirby said in the written statement.
Berryville Town Council
A permanent fixture outside the Grace Episcopal Church in Berryville all day Tuesday, Roland Clarke greeted voters outside the polling place.
"May the best man win, and regardless of that, at the next town council meeting, whether I'm at the desk or around the desk, I'll be there," Clarke said.
On the eve of the election, Clarke advocated democracy when he took to the town's
streets in his car. He rented a bullhorn and reminded voters of the upcoming election.
However, despite Clarke's campaign efforts, the incumbent Russell kept his seat on
Berryville's town council. Russell totaled 280 votes to Clarke's 205.
Russell, who has served eight years on town council, said it feels good to have the citizens' support.
"I do appreciate the support they gave me and now it's up to me to carry out their
wishes," he said.
Also at the polling place was Berryville resident Kathleen Fisher, who declined to acknowledge her vote, but said the main concern for Berryville is economic development in the form of eco-tourism.
"I would like to see all the empty store fronts filled because I have to go to Winchester or
Charles Town to do most of my shopping," she said. "I'd rather patronize my own town."
Russell said he welcomes new business to Berryville, adding that at one time there were
multiple grocery stores and pharmacies.
The construction of the government center and sewer plant, as well as more affordable
and senior housing, are at the top of his priorities.
"There's plenty on the burner right now," said Russell. "And I'm sure there will be more to
work on."
Also elected was Mary C. Daniel, who was appointed to town council in 2006. She ran unopposed.
Contact the reporter at hhager@timespapers.com