Caragiulo unseats Clapp

The top fundraiser in March 8 city election, Paul Caragiulo, barely eked out a victory over his opponent, incumbent Commissioner Dick Clapp, in the District 2 race.

The margin was so slim, 11 votes out of a total 3,425, that the state requires an automatic recount, which will be held at 9 a.m. Friday.

Caragiulo collected 1,718 votes to Clapp’s 1,707.

The other two district races were not nearly as close.

In District 3, Shannon Snyder claimed the commission seat without a runoff, despite there being three candidates in that race.

The retired sheriff’s deputy claimed 703 votes, or 56%. Diana Hamilton was second with 463 votes, or 37% and Pete Theisen was third, with 88 votes, or 7%.

“I’m relieved to death I don’t have to do a runoff,” said Snyder. “I feel very blessed. Nobody gets this without a lot of help.”

There will be a runoff in the District 1 race. Willie Shaw and Linda Holland were the top two vote-getters and will face off in the May 10 runoff election.

Shaw got 414 votes, or 42%. Holland received 218 votes, or 22%. She was followed closely by Richard Dorfman with 201 votes, or 20%. Frederick Williams received 162 votes, or 16%.

When he learned about his vote total, Shaw let out a shriek of joy.

“The voters (showed) they support an inclusive community, and that’s been my goal,” said Shaw.

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected].