David Heiliger said if his late father had a chance to congratulate him for winning the race for Wright City mayor, he would also remind him about the task at hand. "He'd probably tell me do what you …
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David Heiliger said if his late father had a chance to congratulate him for winning the race for Wright City mayor, he would also remind him about the task at hand. "He'd probably tell me do what you can to take care of the town and be fiscally responsible," Heiliger said. "He looked after the town's money like it was his own." Following Tuesday's municipal election victory, Heiliger is now following in his father Wil's footsteps. In one of the more spirited races in Tuesday's election, Heiliger, a political newcomer, defeated two other candidates, including incumbent Roy White. Heiliger finished with 199 votes (47.16 percent), followed by former Alderman Bill Schaffer's 130 (30.81 percent) and White's 91 (21.56 percent). All results are unofficial until they are certified by the county clerk's office. Heiliger said he hopes to resolve some of the communication problems and bickering among board members that have gone on under White's leadership. He said he was particularly pleased about the voter turnout in Wright City. Of the 1,709 registered voters, 407, or 23.82 percent, went to the polls. The county's overall turnout Tuesday was 11.11 percent. "That shows you the people still care," said Heiliger, whose dad spent more than 20 years as an alderman. "I'm looking forward to having open communication and good relations with the board and people in town. "It's kind of like a new day in Wright City." When informed of the results Tuesday night, White said, "The people voted and that is the way it goes." White was elected in 2008 defeating then-Mayor Eileen Klocke. Heiliger will be working with the same aldermen as White did following successful re-election bids by Jim Schuchmann and Angie Reynolds in Ward 1 and Ward 2, respectively. Schuchmann narrowly defeated Danny Campbell, 105-100, as he won his third consecutive term. Reynolds, who is wrapping up her first term, had 97 votes and knocked off Bill Stinson (66) and James Justice (49). Both Schuchmann and Reynolds said they see Wright City moving in a more positive direction following the outcome of the mayor's race. The board, particularly Ward 2 Alderman Jamey Abercrombie, Schuchmann and Reynolds, have been divided over numerous issues with White and Ward 1 Alderman Tom Black. "I'm excited," Reynolds said. "I think we can work better together. I really do. We have a mayor that will work with us." Schuchmann added: "I'm thrilled and honored to serve the people for the next two years and looking forward to working with Mayor Heiliger. I think we will have a good working relationship. I look forward to moving on and having some positives in Wright City." Heiliger, Schuchmann and Reynolds will be sworn in at Thursday night's meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m.