COUNCIL: McMahan, Peers Retain Seats

UPDATE (12:07 a.m.)—After surviving a bitter primary battle with Town Commissioner Terence Hanley, James McMahan had a much easier time against Democrat Jack Feldman in the general election.

"I felt good about the race and was positive," McMahan told Patch. "My opponent and I did not stoop to any level and negativism. I respect my opponent very much."

After campaigning as a fiscal conservative in favor of small government for most of the primary, McMahan further emphasized his record in seeking re-election.

"My message is the same message I had the entire time I ran," McMahan said. "Lower taxes, smaller government  ... people across the nation do not think government can solve the problem."

McMahan will be serving his second term on the County Council after previously serving as a town commissioner.

Republican incumbents Richard Slutzky (District E), Chad R. Shrodes (District D) and Joe Woods (District B) won unopposed.

Democrats Mary Ann Lisanti (District F) and Dion Guthrie (District A) also hold considerable leads with more than 80 percent of their precincts reporting. If they are victorious, all seven incumbents will be returned to the council.

Council president and Republican Billy Boniface defeated Democratic write-in challenger Joseph Delozier, who was not listed on the ballot.

"We're going to have to find a lot of places to save a lot of money in the next budget," McMahan said.

Precincts Reporting: 81.3 percent