By: Jeff Devine
Newton voters headed to the polls today to choose their next mayor. Former Mayor Bill Pruett, who previously served as mayor from 2016-2020, won his race against challenger Town Council Member Sharolyn Sidebottom by 20 votes. Pruett received 170 votes while Sidebottom received 150. Pruett’s narrow victory demonstrates that every vote counts.
Pruett ran a campaign centered on practical, affordable improvements, he pointed out during an interview with the Dale County Chronicle.
During the campaign, Pruett pledged to focus on revitalizing parks—especially Heroes Park—upgrading public safety through police department expansion, and maintaining streets and public spaces. Pruett stressed realistic goals, opposing large-scale development proposals like turning John Hutto Park into a major RV destination, though he supports basic upgrades there and working, over time, toward that goal.
He highlighted accomplishments from his 2016–2020 term, including paying off town debt, improving town facilities, upgrading police and public services, and expanding recreational opportunities. With his prior experience as both mayor and superintendent of the Newton Water Works, Pruett emphasized his belief that he would be more prepared to lead as the town government assumes control over daily water and sewer operations. He framed his campaign as a promise of steady leadership, financial responsibility, and practical improvements for Newton’s residents.
After the results came in, Pruett took to social media to express his gratitude, saying he wanted to “thank all the people who supported me and our campaign for Mayor of Newton. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do for you and if there are any issues that you have. My goal is to make Newton better for the people, and with your help, I feel like we can accomplish that.”
Council Member Sharolyn Sidebottom congratulated Pruett on his victory in a social media post Tuesday night, saying, “I congratulate Bill Pruett for a race well run! I’m grateful for all the wonderful people I’ve met during this campaign! I will continue to serve this community and the new administration to the best of my ability!”
Pruett will take office with the elected town council when the newly elected municipal government is sworn in on November 3.
