Gwinnett Daily Post

Photo:David McGregor. Newly elected mayor of Braselton Bill Orr addresses supporters as his wife Garol looks on shortly after getting confirmation of his victory over Ralph Richardson Tuesday night in Braselton. Orr won the election with 72 percent of the vote for the victory.

BRASELTON -- Braselton's new mayor is Bill Orr.

Orr, a businessman who wants to steer the city through a rough economy, won election as the city's fifth mayor, taking more than 72 percent of the vote.

A relative newcomer after moving to the city four years ago, Orr said he worked hard, walking door-to-door through neighborhoods during the recent wet weekends to campaign for the seat.

He bested Councilman Ralph Richardson Jr. by a vote of 573 to 218, according to unofficial results.

"I think the key was running a positive campaign and getting out and meeting all the voters we could," Orr said, adding that he had to reach out since Richardson had lived in the town his entire life.

"My hopes for Braselton is to keep it the best hometown community possible," he said.

Richardson did not return a phone message late Tuesday.

In the race to replace him on the council, Realtor Peggy Slappey beat political consultant Bill Greene 146 to 104.

Slappey also was not available for comment.

Also on ballots, Councilman Dudley Ray was not opposed for re-election.