After a heated race between longtime mayor, Michael Heitzler, and current city councilman, Jerry Tekac, voters have once again re-elected Heitzler as Goose Creek’s mayor.
“It’s overwhelming. You work very, very hard,” said Heitzler after winning the election.
Heitzler ran as part of a team, joined by Mark Phillips, Debra Green-Fletcher and Kimo Esarey. All three were elected to city council.
Heitzler celebrated his victory Tuesday night at the Crowfield Country Club.
“A team approach won this election and a team approach is what’s going to carry us forward,” said Heitzler. “A team approach is what has taken us through good times and bad. We all had our differences. We all started straying like cats at some but we would come together again with a common goal in mind. “
He says that goal is moving the city forward into the future.
On Tuesday, a record number of voters showed up at the polls—something that Heitzler says even surprised him.
“I’ve been watching municipal elections in the city of Goose Creek since 1976, and I have never seen that many people come to vote in a municipal election,” said Heitzler. “I was pleased that they didn’t come with pitch forks and torches. They were just pleasant. They were determined. They were gracious. They were kind. They turned up today and they made a difference.”
Until now, Heitzler ran unopposed since 1998. He has served as the town’s mayor for nearly 40 years.
