ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) - It was one of the most hotly contested races in Tarrant County, but the district 1 city council seat in Arlington finally has a new winner.

Charlie Parker, a retired airline pilot and former Navy commander edged Bill Verkest, an engineer and retired Air Force colonel by just 50 votes, with 51% (1,095) of the vote. Verkest had 49% (1,045.)

Early voting results showed Parker with a lead with 55% of the vote.

Eight candidates vyed for the district 1 spot during municipal election in May, after council member Mel LeBlanc left his seat after news of drug problems surfaced.

Parker and Verkest admitted the biggest challenge in the runoff race was getting voters back to the polls for a second time. Both said they spent much of the last month networking, going door to door to make people were informed that the runoff election was June 23rd.

Both were satisfied with the turnout.

"The numbers are higher than I thought they would be and I think that's great because that way we know that people are interested in a contest and they're coming out to vote," Verkest said.

Parker celebrated his win with a party at his home. He said his first order of business when he gets sworn into office is to crackdown on deadbeat apartment complex owners who he beleives contribute to the city's crime.

"I think landlords should be held accountable like every other homeowner in the area. I think having crime in the area due to landlord's irresponsibility should be taken into account," he said.

Verkest was disappointed with the outsome but said he wishes Parker the best in office.