Newcomer Wes Nance and incumbent Carolyn Fidler won a five-way race Tuesday for the two open seats on the Vinton Town Council.

Incumbent Mayor Brad Grose was unopposed for re-election.

Nance, a deputy commonwealth's attorney in Bedford County, was making his first run for public office. It is not his first foray into town business, however, because he's been a member of the board of zoning appeals for a decade and is now its chairman, a seat he'll have to give up.

Within a half-hour of the polls' closing, Nance was out picking up the 100 or so yard signs that he began putting out two months ago.

"This is my celebration," he said by cellphone.

While saying he hoped to "serve every person in Vinton to the best of my ability," Nance said he would be "putting an emphasis on helping businesses out, as long as that doesn't impede on the citizens. ... And, with my law enforcement background, I'll continue to support the public safety departments. They are excellent here, and we want to make sure they have the training, equipment and staffing they need."

Fidler was elected to her second term. Her political experience includes a longtime position as a legislative aide to former Del. Richard Cranwell. She is Vinton's first female council member.

She was working Tuesday night as the results came in -- attending the town council's regular meeting.

In an interview before the polls closed, Fidler noted that economic development will continue to be a pressing issue for the town.

One of the most popular recent economic development projects was last fall's completion of a $3 million face-lift and addition to the Vinton War Memorial building.

The proposed redevelopment of Explore Park, Fidler said, also could have a profound impact on the town.

This year's race drew a deep field of candidates, and a high voter turnout, even though there was no apparent widespread dissatisfaction with the direction of local government.

Some 652 of the town's 4,656 registered voters -- 14 percent -- turned out Tuesday, compared with 10 percent two years ago.