Tuesday night the town of Gaston voted for it's new mayor. Troy Bevins faced off against Carol McCombs. Bevins won the election with 185 votes, to McCombs' 81. Throughout the day locals headed to the polls for this special election, hoping to give its town a fresh start after months of chaos. Residents like Kimberly Coots, say this election is a chance to bring back some positive feelings.
"Here lately all it's been is bad publicity, and it's just a good small town," said Coots.
Last year, former Mayor Larry Sharpe fired the town's police force to help battle growing financial problems. Problems that residents say they can't afford to repeat.
"That's what it's all about, getting this town back together," said Gaston resident Don Johnson.
Coots is hopeful the new mayor will work hard to turn the troubled town around.
"We have waited a long time to get this straightened out," said Coots.
After a year of turmoil, residents are ready for new leadership and a new start.
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