LOCKPORT —
In somewhat subdued fashion, Mayor Michael Tucker acknowledged his likely re-election late Tuesday, but said he’s not declaring victory yet.
According to unofficial results posted by the Niagara County Board of Elections, Tucker grabbed 52 percent of the live vote, or 2,297 votes, compared to challenger Michael Pillot’s 48 percent/2,097 votes.
Given the facts, that 200 votes separate Tucker and Pillot, and there are 272 absentee ballots to be counted by the Board of Elections, probably no earlier than next week, Tucker said he’s holding off on the ebullient victory speeches.
“I think it’d be a little inappropriate,” Tucker said from Danny Sheehan’s Steakhouse, where Republicans countywide gathered after the polls closed.
“History tells me we’ll be OK, but I’m not calling it tonight,” Tucker said.
The election results are a bit too close for comfort, Tucker admitted. His read on the numbers:
“Half the people are happy and half are not. We did some things. We challenged ourselves. We’re trying to turn the city around, and we’re not afraid to regardless of the results,” he said.
Tucker did not speak with Pillot by phone or in person Tuesday night, he said.
At the Davison Road Inn, where city Democrats and opposition candidates gathered for results, Pillot said he doesn’t think of them as a “loss.”
“I ran a clean, honest campaign and met a lot of great people,” he said. “Lockport has a lot of great people in it. ... I’m just sad I won’t have an opportunity to help people.”
It was pointed out that Pillot’s second match against Tucker was a lot closer than the first. In 2007, Tucker won by almost 2,000 votes.
At Danny Sheehan’s, GOP volunteers gave a hearty cheer for Tucker upon his introduction by county GOP chairman Mike Norris. Democrats who supported Tucker, including 4th Ward Alderman-elect Pat Schrader and deputy city attorney David Blackley, joined them.
Upon completion of a third, four-year term, Norris said, Tucker will make history as the longest continuously serving Lockport mayor.
Tucker cracked a smile when he was reminded of that, but said he’s more interested in the history he’s making with the Common Council. Private refuse and recycling collection, achieved by the current Council, is a big deal, he said; so’s the work he and they have done to reorganize City Hall with fewer employees and more flexible work arrangements.
“Nobody said it’s easy making history. It’s tough changing things,” Tucker said. “I’m really proud of Richelle (Pasceri) and Ken (Genewick). We all took that risk, and the people in their wards voted to bring them back.”
“I’m honored people still want me to be their mayor,” he added. “It’s tough times.”
Local News
Related Photos
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Mayor Michael Tucker shows signs of a victory in Tuesday's mayoral election. The race is not official as the final count may be decided by over 100 absentee ballots to be counted. Joe Eberle/US&J
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