McGrew, Rust Elected to Canton City Council

Two new faces will join the Canton City Council in 2014.

Voters in the Cherokee County seat chose Sandy McGrew to be its new Ward 1 representative and John Rust to assume the Ward 3 seat. Both residents will join council member-elect Bill Grant as the council's newest members when they are sworn in next month.

McGrew defeated challenger Clint Weatherby with 62 percent, or 578 votes. Weatherby garnered 38 percent, or 350 votes. 

Rust cruised to victory with 59 percent, or 558 votes compared to fellow challenger Farris Yawn's 41 percent, or 389 votes.

Out of 10,709 registered voters, only 981 voters, or 9 percent, were cast in the election. 

McGrew said she was "honored and humbled" by the citizens' support of her election bid.

"I'm looking forward to getting in, doing the work (needed) for the city and moving the city forward," she said. "I'm looking forward to working with the council members who are there now."

McGrew also commended her challenger for running a good, clean campaign. Weatherby added he was "perfectly fine" with the results. 

"I’m still an active citizen with the city and I’m perfectly fine," he said. When asked what's next for him, Weatherby noted "this is my hometown and I’ve always been active in it."

Rust has yet to return calls for comment on the election results. 

Yawn noted he was "obviously disappointed" in the results, but added he's looking forward to the next few months in which he will soon begin to work with a new city council.

He also said he was thankful to the supporters who backed him in his bid to serve on the council.

"I am looking forward to this new chapter in Canton," he added.  

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