Sykesville voters returned three veteran council members and their unopposed mayor to office in a municipal election yesterday.
Mayor Jonathan S. Herman, who was appointed mayor 10 years ago, will begin his third four-year term.
The incumbent council members overcame a challenge from two relative newcomers.
Councilwomen Jeannie Nichols and Debby Ellis each won their third four-year terms. Ellis was the top vote-getter among the five council candidates with 160 votes.
Councilman Eugene Johnson, the senior politician in town, with 20 years experience, will serve a fifth term. He and Nichols each received 150 votes.
The trio had faced a challenge from James M. Dore, who received 119 votes, and Jason D. Plummer, who received 102.
"The challenge was surprising," Nichols said. "But I'm glad to be returning to the council with people I have worked with for many years."
With no pressing issues or referendums on the ballot, turnout was light. Of the more than 2,200 registered voters, 244 cast ballots yesterday, and six residents mailed in absentee ballots.
