john.cramer@roanoke.com 981-3140

Two political newcomers were elected to Salem City Council on Tuesday, including only the second woman in the city's 202-year history.

Chris Clemens, who was the top vote-getter, and Jane Johnson will join incumbent Howard Packett, who was elected to his sixth term, on the five-member council July 1.

Johnson, who beat out incumbent Gerald Pace by 20 votes, said she was thrilled with the outcome.

"I'm ecstatic," she said. "Gosh, I'm just so overwhelmed. It's a pinch-me kind of thing. I'm just so glad that Salem's spoken and that there's a woman on council. I expected it to be close, but I had no idea it'd be this close. I know I can happily work with the rest of the council members."

Clemens said he was excited at the results of his first run for elected office.

"I'm really proud," he said. "I had a lot of support and I knocked on a lot of doors. I'm just so tired and relieved I could about cry. I'm really looking forward" to taking a seat on council.

Councilman John Givens congratulated Clemens outside the registrar's office.

"Don't worry, you'll do fine," Givens said, tapping Clemens on the chest. "You've got Salem right there."

Packett could not be reached for comment.

Turnout was 23 percent compared to 36 percent in the 2000 election. The city of 24,600 has 15,146 registered voters, 3,508 of whom went to the polls Tuesday.

The six candidates all ran as independents. Clemens, Johnson and Packett join Mayor Sonny Tarpley and Givens on council. Gerald Pace sought his second term. Incumbent Alex Brown, who is vice mayor, did not seek re-election.

It was a quiet campaign with no major issues. Public forums attracted few people.

The candidates agreed the city's biggest challenge was maintaining Salem's way of life during tight economic times.

The candidates, who said their business skills would help council be fiscally efficient, ran primarily on a pledge to stay the course in a community known for good schools, low crime, efficient government, sports-related tourism and few controversies.

Clemens, 39, an attorney, advocated fiscal conservatism and improving the city's economy, especially bringing in more jobs.

Johnson, 46, a jewelry store owner, advocated economic development and said she would bring a woman's perspective to local government.

She bested Pace, 70, a manufacturing consultant, who pledged to maintain the quality of Salem's government and schools and to boost economic development.

Packett, 72, a marketing and real estate consultant, touted his business skills and government experience.