Brookhaven voters chose to promote bookkeeper Mike Jinks to cityclerk Tuesday during a special election for the office recentlyleft open by the resignation of long-time City Clerk Iris RudmanSmith.

Jinks, a 10-year employee in the office, garnered 1,341 votes to862 votes for Mandy Sproles Dann, accounts payable/payrolladministrator for the Human Performance Company, according tocomplete but unofficial returns.

Jinks, 51, said he appreciated all the help he had received inthe campaign, and the opportunity and the confidence that votershad placed in him by electing him to the office. He will serve theremainder of Rudman Smith’s unexpired term through June 2005.

“I look forward to serving the people of Brookhaven andcontinuing to operate the city clerk’s office in a courteous,friendly and helpful manner,” Jinks said.

Jinks carried all six city wards in winning the election. Hislargest margin of victory was in Ward Five, where he got 264 votesto Dann’s 125.

Dann, who was making her first attempt at elected office, saidit was a good election. She congratulated Jinks on his victory.

“I thought it went well,” said Dann, although she said she wouldliked to have seen a larger voter turnout.

Approximately 28 percent of the city’s 7,829 registered votersparticipated in the special election.

Jinks said both he and Dann were pursuing a job, and he wasappreciative that there was no negative campaigning in thecontest.

“It was a fair campaign,” Jinks said.

Jinks is expected to be sworn in as soon as possible after theelection is certified by the Secretary of State’s office. Hepredicted the swearing-in could be one day next week.