RUTLAND, Vt. (AP) — The mayor of Rutland has won a fourth term in office.

Christopher Louras beat challenger David Allaire 2,032 to 1,611 on Tuesday, Town Meeting Day.

‘‘I recognize it as the voters’ affirmation that the direction we’re taking is the right one,’’ Louras said.

Louras campaigned on efforts in economic development and public safety that he said were finally beginning to bear fruit while Allaire, the president of the board of alderman, characterized him as having done nothing, with any efforts he has made as coming too late, the Rutland Herald (http://bit.ly/14uqHMJ) reported.

Allaire said he believed he raised important issues in the campaign.

‘‘I think we've got people talking about the drugs and the crime. I look forward to working with new members of the board and the mayor,’’ he said.

He was deciding whether to seek another year as president of the board.

‘‘This hasn’t dampened my enthusiasm for this job one bit. I'm energized by the campaign. I'm disappointed I lost but I had a lot of positive support, Allaire said.

___

Information from: Rutland Herald, http://www.rutlandherald.com/