Preliminary Election results on Tuesday brought significant change to Chelsea’s political landscape, with newcomers and non-incumbents making a striking impact. Most notably, District 5 Councillor Joe Perlatonda lost his seat in what many observers viewed as a stunning upset.
The at-large race dominated attention, drawing eight candidates and capturing headlines with political newcomer Damali Vidot’s commanding performance. She secured 606 votes to lead the field, despite a modest 11 percent turnout representing just over 13,554 registered voters in the city.
Following her victory, Vidot reflected on the results: “fblikebutton_button”>I topped the ticket and I feel that clearly there is an anti-incumbent sentiment and people want change. Joe Perlatonda is out and he was an incumbent. I finished ahead of two incumbents. People showed it with the vote that they want change and I’m ready to answer that call. We ran a straight campaign and focused on the issues and our message. We never went negative even when others did. We’re not taking this for granted. It’s not over by any means. We’ll work just as hard up to the general election.”fblikebutton_button”
Vidot’s entry into electoral politics emerged from frustration with her tax bill, mounting crime concerns on Highland Street where she lives, and disagreements over the parking program. Attending City Council meetings revealed what she perceived as a fundamental “fblikebutton_button”>disconnect between the people and City Hall”fblikebutton_button”. Her own surprise at this turn was evident when she reflected, “fblikebutton_button”>Several months ago, I would have never thought I’d be doing this.”fblikebutton_button”
The remaining at-large candidates finished in this order: Roy Avellaneda with 581 votes, Councillor Calvin Brown with 507, Council President Leo Robinson with 487, Todd Taylor with 401, and Deborah Washington with 248. James O’Regan received 237 votes and John Cadiz garnered 139, eliminating them from advancement. Write-in votes totaled 26.
In District 5, the race produced an equally dramatic outcome. Newcomer Judith Garcia prevailed with 74 votes, while challenger Henry Wilson finished second with 59 votes, leaving sitting Councillor Joe Perlatonda eliminated. Garcia and Wilson will compete against each other in November’s general election.