BRIDGEPORT -- Political newcomer Drew Pomeroy not only gained a seat on Bridgeport City Council Tuesday evening, he won all nine precincts.
In his first bid at elected office, the Bridgeport businessman totaled 659 votes in the race for one of two four-year seats on the Council. Incumbent Charles "Chuck" Lindsey was runner-up in the race with 440 votes, which was enough to earn him another four-year term.
"I don't feel any," Pomeroy said when asked if the large margin put any pressure on him. "These people supported me and now I've got a job to do. The one thing I've found out during my campaign is that the people and businesses of Bridgeport have a heck of a lot of good ideas. I want to give them the representation they deserve on Council. That's going to be my goal."
Pomeroy's win keeps incumbent Walter Barth, who had 361 votes, from returning. Barth, council's representative to the planning commission, was seeking a second four-year term.
Lindsey, who has served on the Council for 12 years, had no comment following the election. Along with those previously mentioned, Ronald Hedrick came up short in his second bid at a council seat. Hedrick had 213 votes.
No other candidates ran for the two seats.
Although thrilled to win, Pomeroy was quick to credit the work of the current and past councils in Bridgeport. Now, he's hoping to be a part of moving things forward.
"I wanted to get involved with this council because they've been successful through the years," said Pomeroy. "They've positioned Bridgeport to be in great shape. There's not a greater body to learn from than these guys right here."
Mayor Joe Timms is hoping Pomeroy will fit in and be ready for the challenges that are ahead.
"I think Drew will bring a new dimension to the council," said Timms. " ... I think he'll fit right in. He's a bright, young man."
City Recorder Mike Conley, who was unchallenged, coasted to another four-year term. Conley received 782 votes.
Voting was up this year from the last election when only 10 percent of the city's 5,417 voters turned out. Last night, 981 of the 5,564 voters, or 17.6 percent, found their way to the polls.
Despite the increase, some voters think the numbers should have been higher.
"If you don't care enough about the people in your community to get out and vote then you're not a good citizen," said resident Dave Cross. "The city needs you, and it's your responsibility to vote. If you don't vote, you don't have a right to complain."
There were 11 challenged ballots. They will be handled at the city's canvass that is set for 7 p.m. Monday.
