From left, Sam Blinstrubas, poll worker; Getty Guevin, head moderator; Simon Magnarella and Patricia Conway, both poll workers begin a recount Tuesday of all the Town Council candidates in Prospect because of a close vote between Democrats Michael Scaviola, an incumbent, and Eileen Cranney, a newcomer. - RA ARCHIVE

PROSPECT – The Town Council will remain the same after a recount Tuesday. Incumbent Democrat Michael Scaviola stayed ahead of newcomer Eileen Cranney, also a Democrat, although she gained one vote. The finally tally for the bottom two candidates was 779 to 775. The top nine candidates, all incumbents, will lead the town for the next two years. Besides Scaviola, Republicans Stanley Pilat, Jeffrey Slapikas, Thomas Galvin, Douglas Merriman and Robert Doyon as well as Democrats Patricia Geary, Theresa Graveline, and Carl Graveline were re-elected to the Town Council.

Democratic newcomer Eileen Cranney came in five votes behind incumbent Michael Scaviola in the Prospect Town Council race.

PROSPECT – A recount has been called for all candidates of the Town Council because of a close vote between two Democratic candidates.

Democratic incumbent Michael Scaviola and newcomer Eileen Cranney have a five-vote difference between their number of votes received, 779-774, according to the town clerk’s office.

A recount can be called unless the defeated candidate waives his or her right to it. Town Clerk M. Carrie Anderson said Cranney did not waive her right.

The recount is expected to be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 15 at Town Hall, she said.

The top nine vote-getters won a seat on the Town Council. According to the official results, the following Republican incumbents were re-elected: Stanley Pilat; Jeffrey Slapikas; Thomas Galvin, who is chairman of the council and the Republican Town Committee; Douglas Merriman; and Robert Doyon.

The following Democratic incumbents were re-elected: Patricia Sullivan Geary; Theresa Cocchiola Graveline; Carl Graveline; and Scaviola, who is chairman of the Democratic Town Committee.

-Special to the Citizen’s News

Town Council Chair Tom Galvin stumps for the Republican Party outside the Fire House in Prospect Tuesday night. Galvin and his fellow Republicans maintained their majority on the Town Council.

PROSPECT — Republicans maintained their five-to-four majority control of the Prospect Town Council on Tuesday night, as all nine incumbent council members retained their positions.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” said Republican Town Committee Chair Thomas Galvin, echoing the oft-heard motto of Mayor Robert Chatfield. A sentiment the majority of Prospect citizens agreed with.

Galvin, who held his seat on the council, believes the Republicans maintained their majority because of a consistent record of doing what is best for Prospect.

“In the town of Prospect, one out of six voters is a Democrat, two out of six are Republicans, and three out of six are unaffiliated,” Galvin said. “The conservative choice has been and continues to be more appealing. They want us to keep moving forward and to keep taxes low for everybody.”

Forty-four percent of voters turned out to cast their ballot with most Republicans winning by a two-to-one margin.

Ten candidates were vying for a seat on the nine- member council. The candidate who did not receive a seat was the only one who did not hold one previously— Eileen Cranney, a Democrat and native of Prospect. Democrat Michael Scaviola narrowly edged out Cranney by five votes to retain his seat.

“She may not have won a seat, but she was born here in Prospect,” Galvin said. “She’s a good person who ran a good campaign.”

While disappointed to have not taken the majority, Democratic Town Council member Patricia Geary believes this is a moment for Democrats to collect themselves and reflect.

“The Dems have to reorganize and regroup,” Geary said. “This is a time where we want to encourage anyone with an interest in town policy to participate in our meetings. It would be mutually beneficial to everyone. … Our doors are open.”

In other races, Democrat Peter Blinstrubas and Republicans Lisa E. Mason and Marie J. Kluge won seats on the Board of Assessment Appeals all earning more votes than Democrat Janice Mallon.

Democrats E. Gil Graveline Jr. and Gregory Ploski along with Republican Jack L. Crumb won seats on the Planning and Zoning Commission all earning more votes than Unaffiliated candidate Tim Reilly.

Republicans David Wartko and Donna Cullen won open seats for a four-year term on the Region 16 Board of Education over Democrats Jeffrey LaMontagne and Chip Aldrich. Republican Nazih Noujaim defeated Democrat Trish Spofford for a two-year term on the board.

Republicans Charles Wilkowski and Marianne Byrnes along with Democrat David Michaud won seats on the Zoning Board of Appeals all garnering more votes that Democrat Gena Mann.

M. Carrie Anderson was reelected as town clerk, David Young was reelected as town treasurer, and Diane Lauber was reelected as tax collector. All three are Republicans and were unopposed.

Mayor Robert Chatfield, center, enjoys the company of friends and family as he waits for election results Tuesday night. Chatfield was elected to this 18th term in office.

PROSPECT — Incumbent Republican Mayor Robert Chatfield swept into his 18^th term in office Tuesday night, defeating challenger Anthony Dorso.

Forty-four percent of voters turned out to held usher Chatfield back into to office. Chatfield defeated Dorso by an unofficial count of 2,025 to 886.

“I’m very happy with Mayor Chatfield and that’s who I voted for,” said Prospect resident Pamela Wright as she headed out of the polls.

Chatfield started his 35^th year in office on Monday. He is the longest-serving chief elected official in Connecticut.

Following his win, Chatfield addressed a small crowd of supporters, including many family members.

“I want to thank all the people who campaigned for me and with me,” Chatfield said. “I’m not going to change. I’m going to be the same Bob Chatfield I’ve always been.”

Chatfield said, however, he would have to work a little harder in his next term because media organizations have accused him of slowing down.

There’s no chance of that happening any time soon, Chatfield said.

“I’ll be the energizer bunny,” he said.

Chatfield said his biggest challenge in his next term will be helping Region 16 to get an affordable replacement for Community and Algonquin Schools. He said he would push to make sure the new school, which is going to referendum in early December, has a generator. If last week’s snow storm had come a month later, Chatfield said, it could have been a disaster.

Dorso, an unaffiliated candidate endorsed by the Democratic party, didn’t have much to say after the votes were tallied.

“It is what it is,” he said.

Dorso ran on a campaign of increasing transparency, decreasing town spending and taxes, and working closer with Region 16. He was unsure whether he would run again.

“Right now, I need to focus on my new baby coming in April,” he said.

As usual, Chatfield ushered the entire Republican ticket in behind him. He said Democrats haven’t won an election since he took office in 1977.

“I would like to think I had something to do with that,” Chatfield said.

He said voters value his hard work and continuous availability.

“They appreciate what I do. They know what I stand for,” Chatfield said.

Republicans David D’Amico, left, and Gerard Smith wave to voters outside Laurel Ledge Elementary School Tuesday. Smith won the first selectman seat and D’Amico won a selectman seat.

BEACON FALLS — Republican challenger Gerard Smith defeated Democratic multi-term incumbent Susan Cable with about 52 percent of the vote to become the new first selectman of Beacon Falls.

Smith garnered 1,024 votes to Cable’s 927. Cable will not serve on the three-member Board of Selectmen as both Republican David D’Amico and Democrat Chris Bielik earned more votes, meaning the new board will be comprised of no incumbents.

Smith said he felt the difference in the election was the citizens’ desire for a fresh Board of Selectmen.

“I think the people were ready for something new,” Smith said. “They were ready for a change. 14 years [Cable has served]—there’s no time limit, but I think people wanted a fresh set of ideas.”

Smith, who had served previously as a minority selectman and the chair of the Board of Finance and the Planning and Zoning Commission, ran on the platform of fiscal responsibility and transparency.

“I’ll serve Beacon Falls as I’ve promised before,” Smith said. “I’ll be open, honest, transparent, and let everybody know what’s going on.”

He will be joined on the Board of Selectmen by D’Amico, who received 990 votes, and Bielik, who garnered 961 votes.

Cable, who was seeking her eighth term as first selectman while promoting her experience and ability to secure grants, will not be in Town Hall for the first time in over a decade and a half.

“I’ve enjoyed serving the people,” Cable said. “Good luck to the new administration. We’ll have a transition period. Now, I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family.”

Unofficial numbers showed that 1,971 of the town’s 3,758 registered voters cast ballots. That 52 percent turnout is better than usual in Beacon Falls, but Smith was not surprised.

“As we went door to door, people said they were going to come out,” Smith said. “I told them exactly what I thought. I can’t do anything with the taxes, but I’ll be honest and transparent.”

In other races, Republican Michael Krenesky defeated Art Daigle for treasurer while Democrat Millie Jurzynski beat Republican Ed Groth for tax collector.

Cross-endorsed Priscilla Cretella and Democrat Wendy Oliveira won the two open seats on the Board of Education, both defeating Republican John Blesse.

Democrat Chris Bielik greets voters outside Laurel Ledge Elementary School. Bielik won a seat on the Board of Selectmen.

Democrat William Giglio and Republican Douglas Bousquet will both serve on the Zoning Board of Appeals while Republican Kathy Brown defeated Democrat Carolyn McMahon for a spot on the Board of Assessment Appeals.

Democrat Lou DiPiro ran unopposed for a position on the Board of Finance, and both Republican James Moffat and Democrat Erik Dey earned spots on the Library Board of Trustees.

Gerard Smith* (R): 1,024; Susan Cable (D): 927

Selectman

David D’Amico* (R): 990; Chris Bielik* (D): 961

Treasurer

Michael Krenesky* (R): 1,049; Art Daigle (D): 867

Board of Education

Priscilla Cretella* (D/R): 1,760; Wendy Oliveira* (D): 1,129; John Blesse (R): 814

Tax Collector

Millie Jurzynski* (D): 985; Ed Groth (R): 923

Board of Finance

Lou DiPiro* (D): 1,286

Board of Assessment Appeals

Kathy Brown* (R): 989; Carolyn McMahon (D): 848

Zoning Board of Appeals

William Giglio* (D): 948; Douglas Bousquet* (R): 920

Library Board of Trustees

James Moffat* (R): 1,234; Erik Dey* (D): 1,043; Arlene Brumer (D): 865

Total Voters: 1,971 of 3,758 (52%)

* Denotes winners

Mayor

Robert Chatfield (R)* – 2025

Anthony Dorso (D) – 586

Town Council

Eileen Cranney (D) – 774

Michael Scaviola (D)* – 779

Patricia Sullivan Geary (D)* – 988

Theresa Cocchiola Graveline (D)* – 997

Carl L. Graveline (D)* – 783

Stanley Pilat (R)* – 1600

Jeffrey B. Slapikas(R)* – 1632

Thomas J. Galvin(R)* – 1500

Douglas B. Merriman (R)* – 1593

Robert E. Doyon (R)* – 1619

Town Clerk

M. Carrie Anderson (R)* – 2150

Town Treasurer

David R. Young (R)* – 2111

Tax Collector

Diane M. Lauber (R)* – 2191

Board of Assessment Appeals

Janice Mallon (D) – 713

Peter Blinstrubas (D)* – 790

Lisa E. Mason (R)* – 1593

Marie J. Kluge (R)* – 1760

Planning and Zoning Commission

E. Gil Graveline Jr. (D)*

Gregory Ploski (D)*

Jack L. Crumb (R)*

Tim Reilly (U)

Zoning Board of Appeals

David E. Michaud (D)* – 1043

Gena E. Mann (D) – 916

Charles Wilkowski (R)* – 1733

Marianne Byrnes (R)* – 1789

Board of Education – Full Term

Jeffrey LaMontagne (D) – 865

Chip Aldrich (D) – 677

David T. Wartko (R)* – 1485

Donna M. Cullen (R)* – 1767

Board of Education – Two year term to fill a vacancy

Trish Spofford (D) – 955

Nazih G. Noujaim (R)* – 1469

Democrat Slate

First Selectman: Susan Cable*

Selectman: Chris Bielik

Treasurer: Art Daigle

Board of Education: Wendy Oliveira*, Priscilla Cretella*

Zoning Board of Appeals: William Giglio*

Board of Assessment Appeals: Carolyn McMahon*

Board of Finance: Lou DiPiro

Library Board of Trustees: Erik Dey, Arlene Brumer

Tax Collector: Millie Jurzynski*

Republican Slate

First Selectman: Gerard Smith

Selectman: David D’Amico

Treasurer: Michael A. Krenesky

Board of Education: John Blesse, Priscilla Cretella*

Zoning Board of Appeals: Douglas R. Bousquet*

Board of Assessment Appeals: Kathy Brown

Board of Finance: Vacant

Library Board of Trustees: James Moffat

Tax Collector: Ed Groth

* indicates incumbent

Unaffiliated

Planning and Zoning Commission: Tim Reilly

Democrat Slate

Mayor: Anthony Dorso

Town Clerk: Vacant

Town Treasurer: Vacant

Tax Collector: Vacant

Town Council: Eileen Cranney, Theresa Cocchiola Graveline*, Carl Graveline,* Patricia Sullivan Geary*, Michael Scaviola*

Board of Assessment Appeals: Peter Blinstrubas, Janice Mallon*

Planning and Zoning Commission: E. Gil Graveline Jr., Gregory Ploski*

Zoning Board of Appeals: David E. Michaud, Gena E. Mann

Board of Education (four-year term): Chip Aldrich, Jeffery A. LaMontagne

Board of Education (two-year term): Trish Spofford (unaffiliated)

Republican Slate

Mayor: Robert Chatfield*

Town Clerk: M. Carrie Anderson*

Town Treasurer: David R. Young*

Tax Collector: Diane M. Lauber*

Town Council: Robert E. Doyon*, Thomas J. Galvin*, Douglas B. Merriman*, Stanley Pilat*, Jeffrey B. Slapikas*

Planning and Zoning Commission: Jack L. Crumb*

Zoning Board of Appeals: Marianne W. Byrne*, Charles M. Witkowski (incumbent ?)

Board of Assessment Appeals: Marie J. Kluge*, Lisa E. Mason*

Board of Education (four-year term): Donna M. Cullen*, David T. Wartko*

Board of Education (two-year term): Nazih G. Noujaim*

* indicates incumbent