The wait is over. Incumbent Catherine Parker edged challenger Rafael Elias-Linero by four votes for the third open City Council seat. The news was official 20 days after the election.

 

By Jim Byrne

 

The wait is over. Incumbent Catherine Parker edged challenger Rafael Elias-Linero by four votes for the third open City Council seat. The news was official 20 days after the election.

 

On Election Night November 8, Elias-Linero held a one-vote lead over Councilwoman Parker. The tally was evened at 1,529 apiece the next day, however, when the Board of Elections opened a handicapped machine that contained a vote for Parker that hadn’t been counted the night before. The election came down to absentee and affidavit ballots, which were released November 21 and resulted in a 32-28 advantage for the incumbent.

 

Still, the Councilwoman had to wait for a November 28 recanvass before she could declare victory.

 

With a smile, Councilwoman Parker said, “I’ve been sleeping much better since Monday.”

 

An Independent who ran on the Democratic ticket, Parker joins Republicans Joe Sack, also an incumbent, and Laura Brett as winners of the 2011 City Council election.

 

“I am so grateful that the citizens of Rye have reelected me, and I look forward to four years of working hard for the community,” said Councilwoman Parker. “I know that given the economic situation, there will be more challenges and much to accomplish, and I can’t wait to work with the new Council.”

 

Elias-Linero, a newcomer to Rye’s political scene, said that although the margin remains a slim four votes, he considers the recanvass to be decisive, and congratulated Parker.

 

“I am deeply grateful to all the dedicated and talented people who worked on our Best for Rye team,” said Elias-Linero. “I want to thank all of them, as well as my victorious running mates, for their efforts. I also thank those who participated in this democratic process without regard to whom they may have supported. It was a true honor and privilege to have participated in this election.”