MONROE - Louis Armstrong promised to keep the city moving forward after being declared the new mayor Tuesday when he edged out 18-year incumbent Bill Ross in the spring election.
Armstrong, who was also voted into his seat as city council member again, earned 1,563 votes compared with the 1,373 Ross gathered. A third candidate, Marc Kennedy, withdrew from the race in January but still received 241 votes.
Armstrong said Tuesday night that he wants to keep Monroe on pace for change.
"I'm excited to take the next step," Armstrong said. "A lot of support feels good."
He cited the municipal parking ramp as an important matter for the city to tackle and said that he wants to make sure the adoption of the Monroe Comprehensive Plan is used in planning for the city's future.
Ross thanked all of his supporters throughout the years and remarked on all of the decisions he felt were positive for the city during nearly two decades as mayor. He offered congratulations to Armstrong and acknowledged the voters' need for a change at the helm.
"I respect the citizens and their vote," Ross said. "There are things I've done for the city I'm very proud of. I appreciate the time I spent as mayor."
Throughout the day city hall was busy with residents bustling in and out to cast ballots. City Clerk Carol Stamm said the city experienced minor issues, such as the ballot reception machine failing for a short time in the morning, but that polls were running fairly smoothly by the afternoon. More than 3,100 votes were cast in the city election.
"We've definitely been busy," Stamm said. "It's like November has come early."
In another contested race, incumbent Richard Thoman remained in his seat as Ward 9 alderman. Thoman received 153 votes in his favor in the race against Chris Ray Dearth, who received 69 votes.
Ross will serve as mayor for the next two weeks until the Monroe Common Council proceeds with its meeting April 19. Armstrong will then take the office and make appointments, including a resident from Ward 7 to serve in his place as alderman.
Armstrong, who was also voted into his seat as city council member again, earned 1,563 votes compared with the 1,373 Ross gathered. A third candidate, Marc Kennedy, withdrew from the race in January but still received 241 votes.
Armstrong said Tuesday night that he wants to keep Monroe on pace for change.
"I'm excited to take the next step," Armstrong said. "A lot of support feels good."
He cited the municipal parking ramp as an important matter for the city to tackle and said that he wants to make sure the adoption of the Monroe Comprehensive Plan is used in planning for the city's future.
Ross thanked all of his supporters throughout the years and remarked on all of the decisions he felt were positive for the city during nearly two decades as mayor. He offered congratulations to Armstrong and acknowledged the voters' need for a change at the helm.
"I respect the citizens and their vote," Ross said. "There are things I've done for the city I'm very proud of. I appreciate the time I spent as mayor."
Throughout the day city hall was busy with residents bustling in and out to cast ballots. City Clerk Carol Stamm said the city experienced minor issues, such as the ballot reception machine failing for a short time in the morning, but that polls were running fairly smoothly by the afternoon. More than 3,100 votes were cast in the city election.
"We've definitely been busy," Stamm said. "It's like November has come early."
In another contested race, incumbent Richard Thoman remained in his seat as Ward 9 alderman. Thoman received 153 votes in his favor in the race against Chris Ray Dearth, who received 69 votes.
Ross will serve as mayor for the next two weeks until the Monroe Common Council proceeds with its meeting April 19. Armstrong will then take the office and make appointments, including a resident from Ward 7 to serve in his place as alderman.