A petition challenging the mayoral election in the City of Washington was withdrawn in Washington County Court on Wednesday. Mark Kennison was the Independent candidate for mayor that lost to Democratic candidate JoJo Burgess. The petition claimed that the election was illegal. It pointed to irregularities of ballots and actions of Burgess at polling locations on Election Day. Prior to the hearing, attorneys representing both parties and the county met with the judge in chambers. Once the hearing was called to order, Kennison’s attorney withdrew the petition with prejudice citing lack of witnesses for his case due to intimidation and the witness’ fear of retribution. When called to testify before the judge, Kennison cited his desire to challenge the accuracy of the vote count as his reason for bringing the suit. His desire to unite the city was his reason for withdrawing the petition. Mayor Elect JoJo Burgess – who will become Washington’s first black mayor – was pleased with the result. He said that claims of intimidation are untrue and people named in the suit contacted him claiming that they signed on to the action after being told one thing, then finding out the filing was totally different than what they were told. Election results will be certified on Monday. (Photo: Facebook)