Winners in Tuesday’s elections in LaFayette said they were impressed by voter turnout.

All of the incumbents for the city’s mayoral and council posts will remain in their posi-tions. In the municipal judge race, Kenneth Maples won over incumbent Barry Hollis by a 46-vote margin.

Neal Florence will remain mayor, having won over James Mashburn by 351 votes. Flor-ence, a local pharmacist, has been mayor since 1991.

“I appreciate all of the citizens’ continued support,” Florence said. “We had a record turnout because of the number of contested races and the liquor-by-the-drink vote and I appreciate everyone coming out and exercising their right to vote.”

Tuesday’s elections brought out the highest number of voters in years for the city. Nearly 1,000 people cast ballots. The city has 3,644 registered voters, including 2,900 “active” regis-tered voters and 744 “inactive” registered voters. In 1989, the city had 736 people who voted; in 1991, 744 voted; 1995, 653 voted; 2001, 423 voted. (In 2005 there were no contested races and therefore no elections.)

Maples is a lifelong LaFayette resident who owns a local construction company.

“I was delighted to see such a large turn out for Tuesday’s election,” Maples said. “Thanks to each and every one who voted. I look forward to the opportunity that you have given me to serve as municipal court judge.”

Incumbent Andy Arnold won the city council ward 1 post by 30 votes against challenger Beacher Garmany. Arnold, a teacher at LaFayette High School, has lived in the city for 48 years and has served as a council member for eight years.

“It was a good campaign on both people’s part,” Arnold said. “Beacher is a good man and a good friend and whichever one of us the citizens would have chosen, the city would be fine.”

“It was the best local election we have had in a long time with voter participation,” Ar-nold said.

Incumbent Norm Hodge won his city council ward 2 post against challenger Don Talley by 128 votes. Hodge, a teacher at LaFayette High School, has lived in LaFayette his entire life and has been a city council member for eight years.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to continue to serve on the city council,” Hodge said. “I feel that LaFayette has a bright future and I am looking forward to being a part of that. I appreciate all those that helped in my re-election process. I couldn't have done it without your help. I would like to congratulate all the winners and appreciate all the hard work of all the candidates. I was very proud with the high voter turnout. I believe this sends a message of how the citizens of LaFayette desire the best for their city.”