Incumbent 5th Ward Ald. Bessie Chronopoulos rode a wave of support Tuesday to a fifth consecutive term, burying former 3rd Ward Ald. William Hanna in a landslide 75 percent victory.

Turnout for the ward, although standing at a dismal 30 percent, was the highest of the three aldermanic races. With two of most seasoned council veterans, the race was marked by a combined total of 28 years.

Chronopoulos said she plans to steer the same course that has earned the support of constituents for the past 16 years.

“I think I’ll take a little bit of a rest first and then continue working,” she said.

Chronopoulos said working with Fifth Ward North, a group of residents working to solve problems in the College/John/Augusta area and with flooding problems in the ward’s southern section, will continue to be among her priorities.

Chronopoulos said the low turnout was disappointing. “I know people are discouraged, but that’s not an excuse,” she said.

Although he has no definite plans to re-enter political life, Hanna said he won’t rule out the possibility. “But that’s a long way off,” he said.

Until then, he said he plans to take time to go fishing and spend time with his 12 grandchildren.

Hanna said he counts street improvements, Pond/Fisk neighborhood renovations and helping maintain a low property tax as his most valuable contributions.

Hanna said a low turnout contributed to his downfall.

“I was encouraged by a number of people who were disgruntled, but they weren’t disgruntled enough to walk down and punch a hole in that ballot.”