Charles Cator knew he had a strong base, but was surprised by the broad support he received Tuesday night.
Devon DelloStritto / The Citizen
Herman Nielsen, of Poplar Ridge, signs the voter roll while poll worker Edith Lyon looks on in the planetarium classroom, which was used as a polling place for the school board elections at Southern Cayuga Central School.
Cator topped all Auburn school board candidates Tuesday with 1,963 votes, and will join incumbents William Andre and David Lansford on the board.
"I figured I would do well at West Middle School because that is where my kids went," Cator said. "But I didn't think I would do this well. I am surprised and pleased."
The newcomer not only received the highest number of votes districtwide, he also received the most votes at all five of the district's polling locations.
"From talking to the other board members, I think the first year will be a learning experience," Cator said. "I will be soaking everything in as much as I can."
Andre received 1,692 votes and Lansford had 1,636. The votes will be certified official this evening.
Lansford is currently serving his second term in office and is a firm believer in consistency, which he feels is a critical element to any school board. Andre, also in his second term, is presently the board vice president.
"I am very happy that the community still has that kind of confidence and faith in me," Andre said. "I have the same level of commitment I did in the beginning and plan to continue with that."
Though high school senior Sean Stanyon finished last, he's still glad he ran.
Stanyon's main goal was to represent the student body, a goal he feels he accomplished even if he will not be sitting on the board next year.
"Throughout my campaign, students were excited about me running," Stanyon said. "And even if I didn't win, I got a lot of students to go out and vote and to get their parents to go out and vote - and that's something."
Despite some concern about voter turnout early in the night, the district's $55 million budget passed 1,887 to 1,021.
"The community has really spoken loud and clear," school board president Mike Stearns said. "I think they are telling us we are doing a fairly good job."
Both of the district's propositions passed as well; $200,000 will go toward the purchase of a new school bus, two vans, a tractor/mower and a maintenance truck, and the board of education has been authorized to sell one or more lots along the Garrow Street Extension.
Staff writer Ashley Lipsky can be reached at 253-5311 ext 235 or at ashley.lipsky@lee.net
"I figured I would do well at West Middle School because that is where my kids went," Cator said. "But I didn't think I would do this well. I am surprised and pleased."
The newcomer not only received the highest number of votes districtwide, he also received the most votes at all five of the district's polling locations.
"From talking to the other board members, I think the first year will be a learning experience," Cator said. "I will be soaking everything in as much as I can."
Andre received 1,692 votes and Lansford had 1,636. The votes will be certified official this evening.
Lansford is currently serving his second term in office and is a firm believer in consistency, which he feels is a critical element to any school board. Andre, also in his second term, is presently the board vice president.
"I am very happy that the community still has that kind of confidence and faith in me," Andre said. "I have the same level of commitment I did in the beginning and plan to continue with that."
Though high school senior Sean Stanyon finished last, he's still glad he ran.
Stanyon's main goal was to represent the student body, a goal he feels he accomplished even if he will not be sitting on the board next year.
"Throughout my campaign, students were excited about me running," Stanyon said. "And even if I didn't win, I got a lot of students to go out and vote and to get their parents to go out and vote - and that's something."
Despite some concern about voter turnout early in the night, the district's $55 million budget passed 1,887 to 1,021.
"The community has really spoken loud and clear," school board president Mike Stearns said. "I think they are telling us we are doing a fairly good job."
Both of the district's propositions passed as well; $200,000 will go toward the purchase of a new school bus, two vans, a tractor/mower and a maintenance truck, and the board of education has been authorized to sell one or more lots along the Garrow Street Extension.
Staff writer Ashley Lipsky can be reached at 253-5311 ext 235 or at ashley.lipsky@lee.net
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