Former Sandy Springs Councilwoman Ashley Jenkins met newly elected Sandy Springs Councilman Gabriel Sterling 16 years ago in Washington, D.C., where both were cutting their political teeth as early twenty-year olds. Jenkins, a lawyer, served on Sen. Orin Hatch's (R-Utah) Judiciary Committee while Sterling was legislative assistant to newly elected Congressman Charlie Norwood (R-Augusta). Sterling had run Norwood's successful campaign in 1994 and they came to D.C. just as Newt Gingrich took over the U.S. House. "It was a heady time for us," Sterling [pictured left] remembered. "We came to D.C. as kids immediately after taking over the House for the first time in 40-years; we were like masters of the universe. It was a great time in our lives."

Jenkins [pictured right], the very vibrant and popular former city official resigned her position in December to pursue a new business opportunity in the travel industry. She wanted her legacy continued by electing her longtime friend and political compatriot, Sterling, as her successor.

The former Sandy Springs official got her wish Tuesday night -- in resounding fashion.

Sterling, a professional political consultant and long time Sandy Springs activist garnered over 70 percent of the vote on his way to swamping two other candidates -- Chiteka Jackson and Dennis Williams -- to win a convincing first ballot victory while avoiding a run-off.

Sterling took about 600 votes out just over 800 votes cast. Turnout of the district's eligible voters was under ten percent.

ROSWELL ROAD: PARTY CENTRAL

Sterling, Jackson and Williams held election night result-watching parties at restaurants on Roswell Road, just a few miles away from each other.

Sterling celebrated with a group of about 35 supporters at the Brickery Restaurant, while Jackson celebrated with a gathering of about 20 at Roaster's. Williams had 30 supporters join him at Ippolitio's.

Sterling, who carried four of five voting precincts, concluded after results came in from two polling locations that he would prevail in the election, and the final results confirmed his early call.

"After the week of being attacked so harshly, it's pretty fulfilling to know citizens pay attention and see past those things," Sterling said.

Sterling referred to a direct mailing and several district wide phone calls where Williams, who positioned himself as the "conservative" and the "promoter of free enterprise" candidate in the race, admonished Sterling for taking contributions from liberal state senator Stephanie Stuckey Benfield (D- Decatur), who chaired "Mamas for Obama" in 2008. Williams' mailer referred to Stuckey Benfield as "radically left-wing."

Sterling answered with "robo-calls" of his own in the final days, defending his "Republican" credentials and attacking Williams, a businessman, for his professional management associations in metro Atlanta.

THE JENKINS FACTOR

Jenkins, naturally, was there to support her pal. 

"When the city was first started and I was working with him on incorporations, I always assumed he'd run for District 4. But he said, 'no you should run.' This is pretty much payback," Jenkins said.
 
Resigning "was definitely a difficult decision," Jenkins added, "but the timing was right for me and my family."

House Ethics Chairman Joe Wilkinson (R-Sandy Springs), one of most powerful Republicans who serve in the General Assembly, came by for the victory party. "We're long-time friends. I appreciate his support in the long battle for city-hood. We worked together in the Committee for Sandy Springs," the Ethics Chairman said. "Gabe was clearly the best qualified to keep our city going and keep it successful. He paid his dues."

Stuckey Benfield came by to make a speech for Sterling as well.

Stuckey Benfield took issue with the idea that she was as characterized in the race as a "left-wing radical." She says she's more independent and principled than partisan. Stuckey Benfieid admitted she frequently takes stands on progressive issues that other Democrats are unwilling to touch, but explained that she endorsed Kelly Lee, a Republican backed candidate, for Fulton County Superior Court Judge in 2010, to demonstrate her independence. 

"I'm very excited," Stuckey Benfield said. "[Gabe] ran a great campaign. It paid off. He's had years of being active in the community. It was a campaign run over several years. It wasn't a campaign run over the past few weeks."

As for the mailer: "I felt bad about that," she said. "I know his politics are different from mine. We're friends. I support him because he's honest and ethical and a long-time friend."

Jackson said that she stayed out of the altercations between the other two candidates. "I've stayed focused on the issues that affect the residents of Sandy Springs."

Jackson spent a lot of time going door to door, where she said she got a positive response from many voters.

"There was definitely a courting, people getting to know me, and my value systems. I had a voter call me, livid of the voicemail messages [from other candidates]. I was complimented a lot for staying above the fray," Jackson said.

Meanwhile, Sterling also had positive things to say about Jackson. "She conducted herself in a very professional fashion. She's a smart person, she worked really hard. We agreed on a lot of things in the campaign," Sterling said.

Jackson said she would stay involved in the Sandy Springs Council of Neighborhoods and "keep fighting the good fight." 

Williams [pictured left] said the campaign, his first foray into politics, was a rewarding and fulfilling experience. "I enjoyed meeting and speaking with people and I learned a great deal by listening to Sandy Springs residents. I congratulate Chiteka for a fine race and Gabe for a very well earned victory," Williams said. 

The businessman said he would stay involved and help to promote the interests of Sandy Springs in "every way I can. I love our city; we have so much potential. I'll keep my ear close to city hall and contribute any way I can."