Perfect weather, an increased interest in town government and a bigger pool of candidates may account for Tuesday's results at the polls.

With more than 1,500 of the town's 13,228 registered voters voting, Christiansburg Town Council incumbent Mike Barber was the top choice, followed closely by first-time contenders Henry Showalter and James Vanhoozier.

"I'm pleased to be re-elected and to feel like the voters have confidence in what I've done," Barber said Tuesday during a break in the regular council meeting. "I'm excited that we had the turnout. Now, I can take what I've learned during the last four months and put it to use."

While Showalter said he was obviously happy with his win, he said he must fulfill his commitment to Christiansburg residents: "I personally think now the hard work starts. We need to immediately get information out to the public. I'm going to try my best. ... Steve Huppert was known for writing stories for the paper. I'd like to take over where Steve left off."

Huppert, the other incumbent councilman, lost by just 41 votes to Vanhoozier, a member of the town's planning commission. During his four years on the council, Huppert contributed updates on town activities to local newspapers.

Sam Bishop, a retired Blacksburg police officer, and Bill Chafin, who served on the council from 1984 to 1988, came in fifth and sixth, respectively.

Several voters exiting the polls at the Christiansburg National Guard Armory at midday Tuesday said they wanted to see a change in the council.

Doug Adkins, 29, cast his votes for Bishop, Showalter and Huppert "mainly because I think a little bit of change is always good."

"I think the town of Christiansburg needs to have a young voice, especially with the growth," he noted in explaining his support of the 37-year-old Showalter, the youngest contender.

Lamar Turner, who just turned 20, said he voted for Showalter and Bishop in his first local election.

"I think it's important because this is home," he said of his decision to come out and vote. "I definitely want to see change. There are simple things that could be fixed."

Mark Bamman, 47, said a desire to see more openness in Christiansburg's delivery of public information spurred his decision to vote for the three winners. He said he would like to see information on the town's budget posted as it is in Blacksburg and Montgomery County.

"To me, information should be out there," he said.

James Wilson, 87, said he voted for Barber and Showalter and that he has been pleased with recent improvements to sidewalks in his neighborhood and Christiansburg's downtown revitalization effort.

"I think they're trying to do a wonderful job in the town with the remodeling," he said.

Sandra Clements would not divulge her votes but said her decision was a hard one this year.

"We had six really good candidates and only three slots," she said. "It's good when you have choices."