Brookhaven businessman Les Bumgarner claimed the alderman atlarge post and Ward 2 Alderman Terry Bates was returned to theboard for a fourth term, according to unofficial totals fromTuesday’s Democratic primary runoffs.

Bumgarner captured the alderman post with a 1,201 to 825 victoryover political newcomer Ronnie D. Bass. The winner congratulatedBass and his supporters on a good campaign.

“I’d like to invite him and his supporters to join me and mysupporters and see if we can move the city forward in the next fouryears,” Bumgarner said.

Bumgarner built a commanding lead early in the evening, winningWards 4, 5 and 6 by overwhelming margins. A late 325-vote surge forBass from Ward 2 was not enough to give Bass the aldermanoffice.

Bumgarner said he is looking forward to serving and trying tohelp the city progress during the next four years. He thanked hisfamily and his supporters for last night’s victory and their helpwith his campaign.

“I don’t think we left a stone unturned,” Bumgarner said. “Itwas a tremendous effort.”

In Ward 2 voting, a fairly close race saw long-time AldermanTerry Bates defeat challenger Rolanda Spiller by a total of208-180. The incumbent will go on to his fourth term in office.

“It was a pretty tight race, but I’m glad it’s over. I can getsettled down and get back to work again,” Bates said.

Bates, who defeated four challengers in retaining the office,said it was a good race and nice campaign by all candidates.

He thanked God, his family and supporters for the victory.

“It makes me feel good they wanted me in there for another fouryears,” said Bates.

With no Republican or independent challengers, Bumgarner andBates will join Ward 1 Alderman Dorsey Cameron and Ward 3 Aldermanthe Rev. Jerry L. Wilson on the city board. Cameron and Wilson wonre-election to their second terms in the first primary on May1.

Other alderman posts and the mayor’s race will be decided in theJune 5 general election.

Tuesday’s 2,026 who cast ballots in the alderman at large racerepresented about a 27 percent turnout among the city’s 7,581registered voters. Voting in yesterday’s primary was down about 33percent from the May 1 primary, when the turnout was around 39percent.

“I think we had a pretty good turnout,” said James Tillman,Democratic Executive Committee chairman.

Several affidavit or challenged ballots were to be counted thismorning, but they were not expected to change the outcomes ofeither race.