LANDIS — Newcomer Dorland Abernathy’s campaign slogan was, “Yes, Landis, you do have a choice … bring your town board a fresh, new voice.” And it appears, based on unofficial election results, the voters agreed.
Abernathy, who is new to the political arena, has said he wants to focus on what’s needed and look closer at unnecessary spending.
He unseats incumbent Craig Sloop, who received 141 votes to Abernathy’s 143 votes.
Incumbent and former mayor Dennis Brown received the highest number of votes with 156. Challenger Tony Corriher trailed behind with 131 votes.
Sloop declined to comment pending official election results.
Of the 2,140 registered voters in Landis, only 300 ballots were cast in this election.
“I’m humbled and extremely grateful,” Abernathy said Tuesday night.
The whole experience seems surreal, he said, but became evident when he received a text message from a deacon in his church. The congratulatory message addressed Abernathy as alderman.
“I look forward to the work and finding out what’s really going on in Landis and helping to mold what will be taking place in this town,” he said.
Abernathy said he’s also looking forward to working and learning under the current aldermen.
“They have a wealth of knowledge and experience that I hope to tap into,” he said.
Brown made his return to the board as an alderman following a back-and-forth mayoral election in 2011 election. During that race, Brown and James Furr, who was an alderman at the time, were tied, but after multiple recounts the race was won by Furr. Furr is the current mayor and Brown was selected to fill his empty seat.
Brown has previously been on the town board as alderman and said he’s very appreciative that the voters have given him another term.
Brown said he’s excited, but saddened at the same time that longtime alderman Craig Sloop did not receive the votes to put him back on the board.
Brown said he’s worked alongside Sloop since 1995 and would like to have seen him return.
Abernathy is the “newcomer and he’ll have a large learning curve,” Brown said, but “such is the will of the people. We’ll help Dorland get his sea legs so to speak.”
Tony Corriher did not return a phone call Tuesday night.

Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.