Local businessman David Phillips will join the Brookhaven Boardof Aldermen after defeating parks commission member Robert Kenny inMonday’s special election.

The unofficial vote after the polls at Mamie Martin ElementarySchool closed had Phillips ahead 209-73, with 29 affidavit ballotsto be verified and counted and results certified Tuesdaymorning.

Phillips, who is expected to be sworn in sometime before theJune 17 board meeting, will serve the remainder of John E. “Buddy”Allen’s term through next June. Allen resigned in April, citinghealth reasons.

Phillips said he’s grateful for all the support he received fromthe voters and looks forward to representing Ward Six on theboard.

“I’d like to thank all the voters in Ward Six for allowing methe opportunity to represent them,” he said. “This has been ahumbling experience the last six weeks as I’ve met all these votersand they’ve put their trust in me. I’m going to work hard to keepthat trust and gain their confidence in the next few years.”

Phillips also said he’s ready to face the challenges of theposition, and is excited about working with the other members ofthe board of aldermen.

“I look forward to working with Mayor Massengill and the cityboard to move the city forward,” he said.

Both Phillips and Kenny said they felt the election was apositive one on both sides, and both candidates expressed theutmost admiration for each other.

“Robert Kenny is a very honorable man, and the sixth ward isfortunate to have him,” Phillips said. “We need more people likehim to put themselves out there, and I thank him for being willingto serve Ward Six.”

Kenny, who has been a staple at aldermen meetings for years,said he plans to continue to attend the meetings and take an activeinterest in city government.

“I’m still going to come to the board meetings,” he said. “I’mnot going to run away.”

He said he had a really good time getting to know the people ofWard Six.

“It was a really good campaign, and I enjoyed talking to thepeople of Ward Six,” he said. “And that’s what we did. We talked tothe people and we put it in their hands and they made theirdecision.”

The position in Ward Six was left vacant following Allen’s April15 resignation. Phillips praised Allen for serving the city duringhis time in office.

“We will certainly miss Buddy, and I thank him for the numerousyears he served the city,” he said. “We will miss him and we wishhe and Diane the best.”