Politicial newcomer Jim Hajjar captured the second highest number of votes in the West District preliminary race with 466 votes, secondly only to incumbent Councilor Jeanne Pappalardo's 686. Approximately 15 of Hajjar's signs were stolen from supporters' front lawns just two days before the voters went to the polls to eliminate one candidate from the 5-person west side council race. Jack Burke Jr., who ran two years ago, finished last with 216 votes.
In the only other preliminary election, Kevin Thompson was defeated in his bid to challenge Mayor William Manzi in the November election. Mayor Manzi secured 1,221 votes to Al DiNuccio's 976. Thompson tallied 347 votes.
An engineer and manager at Lucent and Alcatel for more than 20 years, Hajjar inspired a growing wave of support that placed him in front of incumbent Debbie Quinn (443 votes), Ed Guy (418 votes) and Jack Burke (216).
In November's main election voters will elect two West End councilors, two East End councilors, two Central district councilors and three at-large councilors. And Mayor Manzi will square off against DiNuccio, also a newcomer to politics.
Approximately 9% of the registered voters participated in the preliminary election that cost the city more than $30,000.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
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