By Seth Daniel
Calvin Brown
A Preliminary Election held Tuesday in Districts 1 and 8 drew minimal voter participation, though the races for two council seats generated considerable political interest ahead of the Nov. 7 general election.
Three well-established candidates competed for the District 1 Prattville seat on a day marked by just 10 percent turnout at the polls.
Former City Clerk Bob Bishop emerged victorious in District 1, securing 132 votes for 45 percent of the total. Planning Board member Todd Taylor finished second with 101 votes, representing 34 percent of the vote.
Both candidates advanced to the Nov. 7 City Election. Community observers report that each has maintained an active campaign presence throughout the neighborhood for an extended period.
Expect their efforts to intensify over the coming six weeks.
School Committeeman Shawn O’Regan, who relinquished his committee seat to pursue a council bid, was eliminated from contention in what some viewed as an upset. He received 60 votes, or 20 percent.
The District 8 race saw former Councillor at-Large Calvin Brown decisively defeat two political newcomers.
Brown claimed 73 percent of the Admirals Hill vote, tallying 171 votes total.
Jermaine Williams placed second with 35 votes, accounting for 15 percent of the District 8 ballots cast.
Zaida Ismatul Oliva was eliminated from the race, having reportedly suspended her campaign weeks earlier. She nonetheless received 24 votes.
The two open seats resulted from District 1 Councillor Paul Murphy and District 8 Councillor Dan Cortell stepping down earlier this year.