Bevans takes Ward 2 seat

Kelly Bevans will represent Ward 2 on the Brainerd City Council beginning in 2003.

Bevans had 434 votes to win Tuesday's election, beating fellow challengers Ed Shaw, who had 385 votes, and Jan Lambert, who had 240 votes.

"I'm very excited to get to work," Bevans said this morning. "I can't wait to start."

Shaw gave credit to both Bevans and Lambert for making his campaign for the Ward 2 seat a positive one.

"Speaking of my campaign alone it was very positive. We had three good people running," who campaigned on the issues and didn't turn to negative attacks, said Shaw. "Kelly (Bevans) is a great guy and will be a great council person."

Shaw said he will continue to work with the city council on issues, but couldn't say if he would consider a future run for Brainerd City Council. "I'll cross that bridge when I come to it," said Shaw.

Lambert said despite losing she is pleased with her showing Tuesday.

"I'd rather be the winner, but I have no regrets. I think Kelly will do a good job," said Lambert at The Dispatch early today. Lambert said she'll be running for an at-large Brainerd City Council seat in two years.

Bevans said the relationship he formed with Lambert and Shaw during the campaign has been a good one.

"The three of us have had a lot of opportunity to talk and there's a little sadness because it's over," said Bevans, noting with the election over there's a lot of work to do on the city council, with the city's budget being a primary concern of his. "We need to get off on a good start in 2003."

Bevans, Shaw and Lambert were running for the seat currently held by council member Mark O'Day, who decided earlier this year not to seek re-election.