Incumbents Keep Toronto Council Seats

TORONTO Incumbent Democrats will keep their council seats for another two years, according to unofficial results Tuesday from the Jefferson County Board of Elections.

Tallies Tuesday show incumbent Dorothy Blaner earning 189 votes, or 51 percent; to independant challenger Gayle Troski's 177 votes, or 48 percent; for the 2nd Ward council seat.

Blaner thanked voters for their support.

"I'm very pleased and appreciative for all the support from the citizens of the 2nd Ward," said Blaner.

Tallies also showed incumbent Diane Julio winning the 1st Ward seat by earning 248 votes, or 71 percent; to independant challenger Maureen Howard's 99 votes, or 28 percent of total votes cast.

Julio thanked voters for their support and returning her to council for another two years.

"I'm glad it's over, and I'm very pleased the voters supported me," said Julio. "I pledge to work for the citizens of Toronto during the next two years."

Other Toronto races show several unopposed Democratic incumbent candidates retaining their seats, including Tom Thomas for council president; James Orsini for city treasurer; Glenn Dickinson, Ron Holmes and Joseph Motto for council at large; and Jason Fogle for 3rd Ward councilman. Democrat Ralph Lemasters also will be seated in the 4th Ward council position after Tuesday's election.

(For more on this story check Wednesday's Herald-Star or log onto www.heraldstaronline.com.)