Following the Nov. 3 election, the current Salem Town Council is excited to welcome a fresh face to the panel.

Myrtle Coward and Tony Grogan were up for re-election after serving out their four-year terms. While Grogan received enough votes to stay on, newcomer to politics Tony Moore will replace Coward.

As the town librarian for three years, Moore has been very visible in the community circuit.

“A new face means new ideas,” said Mayor Diane Head. “We are happy he decided to run and happy he won. The voter turnout was low, but I think he will be a very positive attribute for the town.”

Moore, who is an Oconee native, said he grew up in Seneca and has spent the past few years admiring the town of Salem.

“I never thought in a million years that I would win, but I’m excited to dive right in,” Moore said. “Salem has so much potential, and I would love to help and see it grow to its full potential.”

Although Moore has not spent any time in the political spectrum of Oconee County or the town of Salem, he said he would like to see the beautification of the downtown take place.

“I didn’t have it in my mind that I was going to run,” he said. “But I was asked to think about the possibility, as many residents just wanted a choice, instead of settling for the incumbents. So, in my mind, I think that sprucing up downtown is a goal.”

Moore also supports the current council’s efforts to acquire a full-time fire department.

“You hate to think about the possibility of needing that service, but it’s real and it’s something we need,” he said. “The volunteers do an amazing job, but I fully intend on backing the council through this process. I’m looking forward to joining the council.”

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