By John Chambless

Staff Writer

Richard Hicks, an incumbent member of the East Marlborough Board of Supervisors, lost his bid to retain his seat on Nov. 5, getting 526 votes and losing to challenger John Sarro,  with 871 votes.

Hicks didn't win the endorsement of the local Republican Party Committee, but sought re-election based on his experience as a building codes official and zoning officer, and his history as a certified building inspector and master planner.

Incumbent Richard Hannum, Jr., retained his seat on the board, with 746 votes.

Sarro, who won the Republican endorsement in April, owns a sign company in East Marlborough Township, and says he he has built up the business for two decades by working well with the public. He and his wife, Penny, have been married for 30 years and raised two daughters who graduated from Unionville High School. He serves on the township's Board of Auditors and says he's fiscally conservative, with a broad knowledge of road equipment and building. He supports local events and non-profits including Kacie's Cause, the Unionville Community Fair, and the Plantation Field International Horse Trials.

Sarro says he believes that government should be run like a business, and is against raising taxes. He says he will seek stronger relationships with schools and fire departments, and will work with local police to strengthen drug prevention efforts.