Newton has a new alderwoman.
Ramonica Evans defeated David Carr, a former mayor and alderman, 87-41 not counting eight affidavit ballots that will not affect the outcome of the election.
Evans will fill the vacancy left by the death of former Alderman Ray Payne, who was killed in a car wreck on April 17.
It was Payne’s own mother that may have played a role in convincing Evans to join the election race.
“She asked me if I would consider running,” Evans said. “After thinking about it, I decided to do it because I felt like I could be a voice for the younger aged residents of our community. I will do my best to be that voice.”
Carr, who has previously held the title of aldermen and most recently mayor until June 2017 when he decided not to seek another term, congratulated Evans on her victory.
“I’d like to congratulate her on a great race,” Evans said. “I wish Ramonica my best as she serves the residents of Ward 4 and the rest of the city.”
She thanked the voters for giving her an opportunity to serve.
“I am very excited and enthused with the outcome,” Evans said. “I can’t wait to begin this opportunity and to be a voice for the city.”
Evans is the daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. Purvis Moore and Dwayne Evans, all of Newton. She has a son, Demarius. She is a graduate of East Central Community College with an associate’s degree in business administration and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Mississippi State.
She is currently employed at East Central Community College as career center director/student recruiter. She was serving on the Newton Municipal School Board since March 2015 but will give up that post to serve on the board of aldermen.
She said she is planning to take advantage of attending the Mississippi Municipal League Convention next week after the other four members of the Board of Aldermen approved on Tuesday to allow the winner of the election to participate.
