BREAKING NEWS: Richmond Hill, Georgia, has made history by electing Kristi Cox as its first female mayor. This landmark victory marks a significant milestone since the city’s incorporation in 1962. Cox triumphed over her opponent, Belgicia Howell-Cowart, by a decisive margin of 1,031 votes.
The election results, confirmed earlier today, highlight a transformative moment for Richmond Hill. Cox, who previously served as a councilmember and mayor pro-tem for over six years, is poised to bring her extensive experience to the forefront of city governance. Her leadership roles also include participation on three advisory boards for the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) and membership in the Development Authority of Bryan County.
In addition to the mayoral results, Richmond Hill’s City Council elections also saw significant outcomes. For City Council Post 1, Cindy Hatala secured victory with 1,416 votes, while Vee Singleton garnered 1,132 votes. Meanwhile, City Council Post 2 is set for a runoff between Buck Holly and Kevin Bowes.
Moreover, two special election measures were approved by Bryan County voters. The Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) passed, aiming to provide property tax relief to residents in Richmond Hill, Pembroke, and the surrounding county. The Homestead Exemption Referendum (HB 476) also received voter approval, offering a tax exemption from the Bryan County School District based on property value assessments.
As Richmond Hill embraces this historic change in leadership, all eyes will be on Cox’s upcoming initiatives and strategies to address the community’s pressing issues. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and watch the full interviews with Cox and Howell-Cowart discussing critical city topics.
Residents are encouraged to engage in the ongoing discussions and share their thoughts on this significant election outcome. The implications of Cox’s election are expected to resonate throughout the community, fostering a new era of leadership and representation in Richmond Hill.
