FULTON, NY – A tight election race in Fulton for the seat representing the city’s fifth ward on the Common Council has been resolved as absentee ballots have now been counted.
After election day, (November 7) the unofficial results showed both newcomer candidates in a race too close to call with Audrey Avery (REP) leading Dennis Merlino (DEM) 163 votes to 160 votes, respectively.
With such a close margin, absentee votes would determine the final outcome.
Today, Oswego County Board of Elections officials opened and counted 28 absentee votes for the fifth ward.
The final count showed that the unofficial results revealed Dennis Merlino had come from behind in the polls to win the ward with 179 votes to Avery’s 170 votes.
Claiming his seat as fifth ward councilor, Merlino said he’s “ready to get to work.”
“I want to thank everyone who voted, this shows the importance that every single vote does count. I want to thank my wife and family for standing with me through this exciting challenge as well as my friends and supporters,” Merlino said.
In his new position, he said the first thing he’s already in the process of doing is learning the city’s budget and finance process.
However, he then aims to tackle problems addressed by his constituents.
“As I campaigned, I started to learn the real issues that voters had. Now, it’s time to take action on those issues that I learned about then learn more in depth what my responsibilities will be. It will be a great learning process and hopefully I can start right into the action,” he said.
“Now it’s time to get to work bringing out the positive in Fulton and moving us forward,” he finished.
Challenger Audrey Avery wished to thank her family and supporters.
“Thank you to my loving husband and friends and all that did support me,” she said.
Merlino will join fourth ward councilor Sam Vono as newcomers to the council.
Vono (REP) ran an uncontested race for fourth ward councilor, receiving 247 votes.
“I would like to thank all of my constituents in the fourth ward and all of my friends and family for their support during this election cycle. It’s an honor and privilege to be chosen by my fellow Fultonians as their fourth ward councilman. I am truly humbled and thankful. As I have said before, communication with my constituents will be the key that is needed to follow through with the ideas and plans that I have campaigned on. I am looking forward to a ‘Fresh Start’ for the fourth ward and the City of Fulton,” Vono said.
First, second, third, and sixth ward incumbents recaptured their seats in uncontested races.
First ward councilor Tom Kenyon (CON) returned to his seat with 208 votes, second ward councilor Dave Ritchie (CON) returned to his seat with 92 votes, third ward councilor Don Patrick Jr. (DEM) returned to his seat with 372 votes, and sixth ward councilor Lawrence Macner (DEM) returned to his seat with 125 votes.
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Congratulations Dennis on your win. I think you will do a good job as our councilperson. Also, congratulations to Audrey on a clean and hard fought campaign. I felt like whoever won this race, the 5th Ward would be well represented in City Hall. Nothing against any of the other councilors, but it’s unfortunate there were no other contested races in the general election. Choice is always good and brings out fresh ideas. All our councilors deserve credit for their service.