City council gains a new member tonight after Democratic candidate Jeanette Ard topped all others with 1050 votes. Republican incumbent Paige Sawyer had 866 and Democratic incumbent Brendon Barber finished with 846. Finishing out of the top three were Dedric Bonds (704), Jim Moody (566) and Bruce Yablin (212).

There was a little shock amongst the people at the Board of Elections office with Republican mayoral candidate Marty Tennant and his efforts. Tennant received 188 votes. Petition candidates Bob Sizemore (205) and Kizzie Lawson (181) swayed the rest. Tennant had some comments to offer after tonight's results.

Congratulations to Jack. I wish him well as Mayor. He will have a big job ahead of him.

No surprise with Sawyer. It seems people enjoy the fact he's anti-steel mill. They enjoy the pro-tourist stance with no results herein. But I do have to say one thing. I congratulated him and offered my support towards his role in providing more transparency in city government. I look forward to working with on that.

Jeanette Ard now has something to live up to. The people in the city spoke volumes and elected her by a huge margin. Now, Ard has to live up to the hype. I urge her to continue the movement towards open government and lay off the notion of nonpartisan elections. Having political parties is far more important in elections of all kind than most people think.

Voter turnout in the city was also a shock - 34.9 percent. But, with 2008 totals being about 30 points higher, it's not much to cheer about. People should realize that city and county elections benefit (or harm) you more than anything done in Washington.

In specific precincts, it was downright embarrassing. Dreamkeepers could only muster 230 votes out 965 registered voters. Georgetown #3 was more dismal. Out of 1351 registered voters, only 283 casted votes.

Proves the point that the establishment only want the select few in order to control and maintain power.

Charlton, the write-in Republican, won his home precinct - Georgetown #5. But that was a bitter victory. In the end, Scoville proved to be too much for the others.

Which leads me to this...

Jack, I voted for you today. I had two signs in my yard for you. I had a bumper magnet on my vehicle. I gave you free time on my blog. I supported Democratic philosophy.

I congratulate you on your victory.

Now, seeing that you ran on Democratic principle, I urge you to enact your plan as soon as you step into office. This city is hurting. People are struggling. You will now be our beacon of hope. It's important that you stand up for all the people of the city, even those who feel they aren't appreciated. I am sure you'll pay attention to the pathetic turnout out of our West End. Those people need to feel included in our process. Make them feel important, Jack.

Make the city feel important. Make us want to be involved. Push for transparency. Give us our government and make it accessible to all. Push for televised city council meetings. Hold town hall forums. Go door to door and surprise the people of the city with one-on-one visits.

Make our city feel warm, Jack.

We need it in this cold time we are in.