Coral Sea owner Beau Evans is the newly-elected common councillor for the Corporation of St. George's.

More than 130 people voted in yesterday's by-election on the steps of St. Peter's Church. The by-election came about after William Francis retired just months into his second term on the Corporation, citing health reasons.

After 50 had voted Mr. Evans had 21 votes, while Kingsley Francis had two and the Rev. Dr. Erksine Simmons had 27.

However Mr. Evans caught up and overtook Dr. Simmons by 100 votes, and the final tally last night was four for Mr. Francis, 61 for Dr. Simmons, and 67 for Mr. Evans.

"That's the first time I've won," Mr. Evans said last night. "Last time I served without being elected, so it's really nice to have won the election."

Offering congratulations to the runner-up, Mr. Evans noted that people had come all the way from Hamilton to vote. "I'm really grateful."

Last night he was unsure what committees he would serve on, saying he would find out more information today. However, he said, one of his top mandates was the old town's sewage system. "I'm really looking forward to getting on with that."

St. George's mayor E. Michael Jones thanked Mr. Davis yesterday for all his years of service, as well as for his decision to step aside at the time he did.

Saying the Corporation has "a good team", he added he was looking forward to working with the new councillor.