Recount confirms Election Day results

Date: 11/25/2009

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD -- Last week's recount petitioned by Town Councilor Paul Boudo confirmed the Election Day's results granting Mayor Edward Gibson two more years in office.

Boudo conceded following the recount, which garnered him four additional votes for a total of 2,507. Gibson gained two votes to the previously calculated 2,853 on Election Day.

"This recount procedure as a part of our democratic process is truly American," Boudo said. "I asked for this recount for two reasons; the 6.4 percent differential in votes and the malfunctions of several voting machines.

"West Springfield voters, my supporters and volunteers can be assured that the democratic process works," he continued. "I acknowledge and congratulate Ed Gibson as mayor of our great town and I thank everyone who supported me during the election months and recount."

Gibson told Reminder Publications he had no doubt the recount would confirm his victory given the wide margin of over 300 votes.

He said a primary focus going forward will be sustaining the budget in lieu of cuts to state aid.

"Right now from what we've seen, we've been very lucky there has only been a $1,400 cut to the library and we're hanging in limbo on the proposed cut to the police education incentive," Gibson said. "Right now as it looks personnel will not be involved at this time but [we] will look at cuts in other areas."

Boudo said he intends to continue his dedicated service to the Town Council until the new members are sworn into office.

He added he still has work to complete prior to the end of his term such as the tax shift classification and his work on the Traffic and Safety Subcommittee.

Gibson and the elected members of the Town Council and School Committee will begin the 2010-12 service once sworn into office on Jan. 4.