Published: November 04, 2009 01:16 am      

Democrats sweep Windber council races

WINDBER — Newcomer James A. Spinos led all candidates by a commanding 12 percent margin as Democrats swept to victory, taking all four Windber Borough Council seats in Tuesday’s election.

Voters were ready for a change, Spinos said.

“I think I did so well because I am a newcomer,” Spinos said.

Spinos gained attention during the summer by spearheading a series of Friday night car cruise events.

“I think I proved myself when I said I was going do that and did it,” Spinos said. “I’m a doer, not just a sayer.”

Incumbent George Ledney was returned to council with a comfortable 479 votes. Rounding out the winners were former Councilman Barry D. Jerley and one-term incumbent Sonya Pekala, finishing just two votes apart – Jerley with 441 and Pekala with 439.

Jodi Gahagen finished with a surprising 410 votes, just 19 less than Pekala. A registered Democrat, Gahagen garnered enough Republican write-in votes in the May primary to be listed as a Republican candidates in Tuesday’s general election.

Pekala and Ledney said they look forward to having new faces on council as the borough debates the municipal building’s future in light of asbestos and mold contamination.

“I think it is going to be a good group,” Pekala said. “We all seem to get along. Hopefully, we can work together to get things done.”

The borough building weighed heavily on voters’ minds, Spinos said, recalling the interaction he had while campaigning outside polling places Tuesday.

“The first question they asked me was concerning the municipal building,” Spinos said.

“I said I’d like to save the building, and they said, ‘You’ve got my vote.’ ”

“A lot of people would like to see our building preserved,” Jerley said.

Jerley may have a face a decision when all the votes are counted.

He also mounted a write-in campaign for a vacancy on Windber Area school board’s Region 2. Although his Beechwood Drive home is in Region 1, Jerley said he owns property in the Region 2 area of the borough and uses that as a mailing address.

He said county officials told him they would have to consider him for school director, based on the number of write-ins he received. Since he can’t hold both offices, he said he will make is choice based on where he can serve best.

“I’m leaning toward council,” Jerley said.

Tuesday’s election completed some minor housecleaning on council. Incumbent Democrats Raymond DiBattista and Simon “Red” Ohler were defeated in the May primary. Ohler received enough Republican write-ins to get on Tuesday’s ballot, but lost again with

331 votes.

Making her third unsuccessful run with just 147 votes, Beth Ann Gustkey was the only registered Republican on the ballot.