UNIONVILLE - Larry Simpson begins his third term as mayor next month. Simpson received nearly twice as many votes as opponent and longtime friend Ken Austin.

Simpson claimed 405 or 66.5 percent of the votes.

“I’ve tried to maintain the way that people think of Unionville,” he said. The town stands for “family life ... and community involvement,” he said, bringing people together for events such as the Unionville barbecue and Fourth of July celebrations.

Before results were in, Simpson said if he didn’t win, “I don’t know what I’ll do with every fourth Monday night,” but would support Austin “100 percent.”

This was Austin’s first time running for office, “but I’m running to win” against a “worthy” opponent,” he said prior to results.

Simpson will serve another four years.

Ken Brown Jr. and Robert Croutch will keep their seats on the Board of Commissioners after a close race against three other candidates.

Croutch has served on the board for 10 years, but still had “butterflies” Tuesday night.

Tim Keziah, Arlie Rushing and Richard Griffin also ran for office.

“Win or lose, I will have done just the best I can,” Keziah said, calling all the candidates “gentlemen.”

“There’s always next time,” Rushing said, adding that he would still like to see more recreation areas in town.

Brown and Griffin could not be reached for comment.