In what could be considered one of the most influential and exciting voting years, Ed Beasley has been named the Mayor of Luverne.

“I want to thank the citizens of Luverne for electing me as their mayor. I want to congratulate Alan Carpenter for the excellent and professional campaign that he ran,” Beasley said.

“Now that the election is over, I would ask for everyone’s support for me and the new City Council.  We have many opportunities to improve our city. I will do my best to serve all the citizens of Luverne every day.”

As of Tuesday, there were 2,035 registered voters listed, 203 absentee voted returned, 761 courthouse votes and six provisional courthouse votes.

Beasley received a total of 526 votes on Tuesday, and opponent Alan Carpenter received 434. The six provisional votes will be canvassed in a City Council meeting tomorrow at noon at City Hall.

Beasley opened Ed’s Barber Shop in Luverne in 1972.

“During that time, I have cut a lot of hair and talked with a lot of people about things they like and don’t like about the City of Luverne,” Beasley said.

“I hear about what they would like to see changed. We are going to have to make some changes if we want our city to survive and grow.”

Now at the barber shop one day a week, he has the time to devote to tackling problems and issues that concern citizens, such as economic development, traffic, safety and better communication with citizens.

Beasley served as the Crenshaw County Commissioner for District Three for 16 years. During that time, he says he learned much about dealing with budgets, limited funds and providing vital services to citizens.

Along with the runoff for the office of mayor, a runoff was held for City Council District Four.

Elliott Jones was elected for the office of Luverne City Council District Four with a total of 161 votes; his opponent Robyn Snellgrove received a total of 101 votes.  Jones currently serves Crenshaw County as the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) director.

“Luverne needs experienced leaders who come to the table with ideas, not ideology,” Jones said.

“I look forward to being an independent voice, while working in a collaborative manner, and will represent our district, embracing our youth, our seniors and all other citizens throughout our neighborhoods with dedication and hard work.”

Jones stated that he has been an independent voice in public service for over 25 years, and will bring that independence to the Luverne City Council, as well as his experience and knowledge that he has obtained throughout the years.

Jones believes that some of the most vital needs of the community are enhanced public safety, infrastructure improvements and community outreach programs. Funding for these types of improvements can be secured through federal grants, which happens to be one of his specialties, he says.

Jones says that if allowed the opportunity, he will focus on doing whatever it takes to help advance the city and help it become the best that it can possibly be.

The newly elected city council and mayor will take office the first Monday in November, and they will all serve four year terms.