Voters choose new and familiar for Watertown government

Watertown voters added a new face to the city council and returned a familiar face to the mayor’s office Tuesday.

Brandy Baird-Holcomb will fill one of three at-large seats on the six-seat council.

Baird-Holcomb, a teacher and soccer coach at Watertown High School, took more than 24 percent of the vote, placing second behind Tony Lea’s 31 percent and ahead of James (Tom) Nix’s 23 percent.

“I am extremely excited to win the election,” said Baird-Holcomb in an email Tuesday. “I am ready to serve Watertown to the best of my ability.”

Baird-Holcomb said she plans to focus her attention on education, youth facilities and bringing businesses to Watertown.

Lea and Nix held their seats on the council, beating Jim Amero’s about 20 percent of the vote.

Longtime Mayor Mike Jennings, who ran unopposed, will continue for another term, approaching 29 years in office.

“I never thought that would happen,” said Jennings.

While the office is familiar to Jennings, he’s expecting exciting things for this term.

“I think the next term could be pretty exciting for Watertown with the building of the new high school,” said Jennings. “I think we have the chance to see some changes in our town that would still maintain the character of our community.”

Staff writer Sara McManamy-Johnson can be reached at 615-444-3952, ext. 16 or sjohnson@lebanondemocrat.com.