Burke backs Eaton, Williams
By Elizabeth Billips Associate Editor

Less than 13 percent of Burke County voters cast their ballots in last Tuesday’s heated runoff for the seats of Superior Court Judge and Public Service Commissioner for District 3.

Local voters fell in line with the rest of the state in the latter race. District 3 voters gave Chuck Eaton a 4.8 percent edge over David Burgess, electing him with 111,873 to Burgess’ 101,595. Burke County also favored Eaton, giving him 50.28 percent of their 1,412 votes.

Voters in Richmond and Columbia counties chose David Roper as their new Augusta Circuit Superior

Court Judge, but if Burke residents had their way, Bill Williams would have filled the seat.

At the end of the night, Roper carried 64.4 percent of tri-county votes, claiming 19,708 of the 30,614 cast.

More than 54 percent of Burke County was behind Williams with 796 votes to Roper’s 671.