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GREENWICH, Conn. First Selectman Peter Tesei won a third term Tuesday as Greenwich Republicans notched a sweeping election victory. He is only the second person to win a third term as First Selectman since the position became full-time.
Tesei's Democratic challenger, businessman John Blankley, received 3,101 votes. Tesei received 8,657 votes in the traditionally Republican town.
I heard from John [Blankley] on the way over from Cos Cob and he offered his congratulations, said Tesei at his victory party at the Millbrook Club Tuesday night. I complimented him on the race that he ran. I thought it was the most gentlemanly of the three that I had been in.
Tesei joined fellow Republican John Margenot Jr. in becoming only the second person elected to a third term as the town's leader. Despite the historic moment, Tesei said he doesnt look at his win in that context. I havent really given that much thought. I know its been talked about, he said. Im in a position where I was interested and willing to serve for two more years because I believe there is more that we have to do.
Thirty-five percent, or 11,942 of 33,893 registered voters, turned out Tuesday, the registrars of voters reported. Riverside (District 5) and Old Greenwich (District 6) produced the largest turnout, 45 percent and 43 percent respectively. The lowest turnout was in Chickahominy (District 3) and the Northwest part of town (District 10), with 28 percent each.
I certainly want to thank the voters of Greenwich for coming out today and supporting my candidacy to serve them for the next two years, said Tesei in between handshakes of congratulations from fellow Republicans. It certainly means a lot to me and I will continue to do what Ive been doing the past four years, and that is to put the interest of Greenwich citizens first.
The Board of Selectmen will look very familiar for the next two years, with Republican incumbent David Theis and Democratic incumbent Drew Marzullo winning reelection. Theis had 6,873 votes, Marzullo 4,828.
On the Board of Education, controversial Republican incumbent Marianna Ponns Cohen lost her seat. The winners were Republicans Barbara ONeill, with 8,511 votes, and Peter von Braun with 7,466. Ponns Cohen received 4,034 votes and Republican Anna Saras Povinelli received 4,831.
Democratic candidates Adriana Ospina and Jennifer Dayton were expected to fill their partys two seats on the Board of Education.
Town Clerk Carmella Budkins, a Republican, easily beat out Democratic challenger Stephen Ng, 7,582 votes to 3,488.
Democrat Bill Grad conceded to incumbent Tax Collector Tod Laudonia before the final results were even released. It was the closest race in the election, with 5,855 votes for Laudonia and 5,185 votes for Grad.
Check back with The Daily Greenwich on Wednesday for the full breakdown of voting results at polling locations from the registrar of voters.
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