Russ Deen, Andy Harville headed to runoff in Guyton mayoral race

Guyton’s highly contested mayoral race resulted in a runoff Tuesday night. Russ Deen and Andy Harville will square off again as residents were torn between which candidate will lead Guyton into a new era. A runoff occurs when each candidate does not reach 50% plus one vote. Deen finished with 181 votes, Harville secured 166 and Michael Garvin had 159. All results are unofficial until noted otherwise.

Effingham County has not announced the date of the runoff election, but it usually takes place in early December.

“I am thankful for the turn out we had in this election,” said Harville. “The people have made their feelings known and I ask that they keep up the momentum by voting in the runoff. The next few weeks will be crucial in moving Guyton forward.”

According to Deen, in his tenure, property tax millage rates have been lowered four years in a row, the city has paved nearly 9 miles of roads, which is 35% of the city, the Guyton Police Department has received new equipment and residents have enjoyed new events such as Earth Festival Day, Trick or Trail and Tour of Churches.

More: Guyton mayoral candidate to focus on transparency, community involvement if elected

Deen said Guyton was in a state of rebuilding prior to his first term as mayor in 2020. With no city manager, city clerk and just one police officer, he rolled up his sleeves to bring the city back to life.

He dreams of fulfilling his goal of seeing a new recreation park come to life with outdoor activities fit for all ages. The city owns 26 acres across from Guyton Elementary School. Through SPLOST funds, grants and private donations from businesses in the area, Deen believes Guyton can build something that will benefit generations to come.

Deen is co-owner of Guyton Mini Storage, but his pet boarding company is one he holds close to his heart. Guyton Pet Lodge has been serving the town for nearly 20 years.

In 2019, Andy Harville ran for an open seat in city council but was defeated by Hursula Pelote. He had a brief stint in the planning and zoning department before running for council again in 2022, but would go on to lose against Michael Johnson.

This time, he came ever so close to achieving his goal of becoming mayor but he will have to wait a little while longer to see if the people of Guyton are ready to make the switch.

Harville is the office manager at Pineora Handi House, a family-owned portable building manufacturer.

In his mission statement, Harville said, “If elected as mayor of Guyton, my main goal is to cultivate a community where businesses, families and individuals can work, play and live in a safe and diverse environment…each member of the community should be afforded the chance to shape the city’s future and to be treated as equals by everyone in our government structure.”

More: The key to Guyton's growth is in its water and sewer system

Harville told the Savannah Morning News in a previous interview that if he is elected, he will lead with transparency.

“I'm just a regular person,” Harville said. “I want people to talk to me just like a regular person. I want that relationship with people where they feel like they can come talk to me. I think that's how it should be with everything.”

In other elections throughout Effingham County:

Guyton

Post 1

Jeremiah Chancey def. Incumbent T. Marshall Reiser 261-233

Theodore Hamby def. Incumbent Hursula Pelote 278-218

Springfield

All three incumbents were reelected in Springfield.

Incumbent Gary E. Weitman, 132

Incumbent Steve Shealy, 122

Incumbent Justin H. Cribbs, 110

Leah Weston Perkins, 97

Rincon

Brandy Riley and Mona Underwood ran for city council to usher in a new era of change for Rincon.

Tuesday night, the planning began.

Both women won their city council seats over Reese Browher and Pat Kirkland. Now, with three women on board, including Michelle Taylor, the trio hopes they can move Rincon forward through responsible growth and city efficiency, two talking points listed as part of their campaign pitch.

“I am so grateful that the citizens of Rincon are allowing me to serve them another four years,” said Taylor. “I cannot wait to see what we can all do together.”

Incumbent Reese Browher, 386

Incumbent Pat Kirkland, 358

Incumbent Michelle Taylor, 638

Brandy Riley, 525

Mona Underwood, 549

Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached at lwilliams6@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Deen, Harville headed to runoff in Guyton after tight race