Lawrenceville rejects incumbent Mayor Millsaps

"I feel great," Johnson told the AJC. "Ironically, my dad ran for mayor 40 years ago to this day, so it's extra special. I look forward to serving the people."

In 2008, Johnson ran against Millsaps but fell short by two dozen votes. This time around, she beat him by 75 votes.

Election officials said 2,217 ballots were cast, making it the second-largest voter turnout in city history.

Johnson assumes command of the county seat – and its $90 million budget – as the city wages an ongoing battle to ground any plans for airport expansion and residents clamor for better neighborhood upkeep and more government transparency.

For the past four years, budget decisions have been made in special-called meetings in the middle of the day. Critics maintain that the practice, though not illegal, doesn't speak to an open government.

"Government transparency will be my first priority, to make sure the people know every month how much money we have," Johnson said.

Also upset in Tuesday's election was Councilman Mike Crow. He lost to former Lawrenceville City Attorney Tony Powell.

Last December, Powell brought 18 ethics code charges against Millsaps after the AJC revealed the mayor had voted on contracts involving Precision Planning, where Millsaps has worked since 1984.

The City Council absolved Millsaps of any wrongdoing, and Powell was not reappointed as city attorney, a post he had held for 25 years. Powell is currently Snellville's city attorney and a partner in a Lawrenceville law firm.

The only incumbent to win on Tuesday was Councilwoman Marie Beiser. She defeated political newcomer Leon Smith to retain her Post 1 seat.