Accountant Anthony Richardson has been appointed as Alderman for the Corporation of St George’s following a hotly contested election yesterday.Mr Richardson, who was born and raised in the town, picked up 160 votes, seeing off the challenge of bookstore owner Kristin White, who came in second with 107 votes.Businessman Alfonso Harris trailed in third with 39 votes while service station employee Rick Wynn picked up 34 votes. There were two rejected ballots and one spoiled ballot. With 1,196 residents eligible to vote, turnout was 28.42 per cent.The post became vacant after former Alderman Garth Rothwell was appointed Mayor last month. Mr Rothwell took up his post after his predecessor, Kenneth Bascome, was elected as OBA MP for the town in last December’s General Election.Speaking to The Royal Gazette after his victory was confirmed at around 9.30pm yesterday, Mr Richardson said he was thankful for the faith that residents had shown in him.The married father of two, who stood unsuccessfully as a Progressive Labour Party candidate in Devonshire South Central in last December’s General Election, also praised his rivals, saying that the campaign had been fought in good spirits with no animosity.“We really interacted well - there was a great rapport,” Mr Richardson said.While canvassing for votes, all four candidates had placed a need to re-energise the town at the top of their agendas. But Mr Richardson said he believed he was able to emerge victorious because he was born and raised in the town and had strong business experience.“I know that St George’s as a community is a very tight-knit family and the fact that I was born and raised here definitely helped me,” he said.“But I also have a very strong financial background which I think the Corporation is going to need if we are going to reinvigorate this town.”The Progressive Labour Party today congratulated Mr Richardson on his efforts.“Mr Richardson, a two-time Progressive Labour Party candidate, has shown again his dedication to serving the interests of Bermuda,” a spokesman said.“This is a critical juncture in the life of St George's and a strong team is needed to promote investment and development. We are confident that he will be able to make a positive contribution to the Corporation of St George and work well with the team led by Mayor Garth Rothwell.”