Former Warren Town Councilor Joseph DePasquale will get another chance to serve his town.
The Independent council candidate placed third in voting for five seats on the council, assuring himself a seat even as voters rejected outgoing …
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Former Warren Town Councilor Joseph DePasquale will get another chance to serve his town.
The Independent council candidate placed third in voting for five seats on the council, assuring himself a seat even as voters rejected outgoing councilor Davison Bolster, who finished sixth. Also making the cut were incumbent Democrats David Frerichs, the top vote getter, Cathie Tattrie, the second highest, and the fourth and fifth place finishers, Republican Chris Stanley, the current council president, and Independent Scott Lial.
Mr. DePasquale, who served eight years on the council before trying unsuccessfully to unseat District 67 Representative Jan Malik two years ago, watched the results come in at Mr. Lial's home, while the rest of the Independents congregated at Stella Blues restaurant. After it was clear that he'd won a seat, Mr. DePasquale said he was humbled.
"It sounds corny but it's true," he said. "This is about people's trust. We've got a $23 million budget, a lot of big issues, a lot of responsibility. It's not a joke."
But he's happy to get a chance to tackle Warren's issues, he said.
Mr. DePasquale spent less than $500 on his campaign, pledging along with Mr. Lial to not spend more than $1,000 and not accept any donations over $100. He did very little advertising, spending most of his money on flyers. His simple approach, he said, was to put his name out there.
"That was what this campaign was all about," he said.
Over at the German Club on Kelly Street, Ms. Tattrie said she was very happy to see the numbers come in where they did. The vote of confidence given her by the voters was nice to see, she said, and she's looking forward to getting back to work. Though she was waiting to answer a reporter's questions, she didn't have to respond when asked what the numbers told her:
"It means a lot of people like her!" piped in a voice from behind her.
After a few claps and some laughs died down, Ms. Tattrie said the numbers were telling. Mr. Bolster, she said, "had a very select group of supporters, and it doesn't extend to the entire town, apparently."
She said she believes president Chris Stanley has done a good job over the past two years, and admitted that he as president has had a tough job. It may be one she may have to consider once the council meets for its organizational meeting later this month. Last term, top vote getter David Frerichs declined the council presidency. If he declines it again, it is quite possible that Ms. Tattrie, the second highest vote getter, will be nominated. Will she accept?
"Its a commitment that id have to think about," she said.
For Mr. Bolster, the election was a tough blow, though he said "I'll be around" after the numbers came in.
Supporters watching the results at Stella Blues wished Mr. Bolster good luck after the final numbers were counted, thanking him for his service and toasting his two years on the council.
"As Jim Mckenna used to say, I get more done off the council than on the council," he told the small group.
Rounding out the voting were Richard Silva (1,512 votes) and Brian Mellor (1,331 votes).
To see the complete Warren Town Council results, click here.
To see all Warren results, click here.