First-time candidate cruises to victory

PALMER — The Palmer City Council certified its election that wrapped up with the canvas board’s count of the absentee votes.

Four women counted the 129 absentee votes as Palmer Clerk Norma Alley observed. Going into the canvas board’s meeting on Friday, local business owner and first-time candidate Julie Berberich had secured her seat with 405 votes. Berberich picked up another 72 ballots during the count on Friday.

Deputy Mayor Richard Best trailed fellow city councilman Pete LaFrance by just eight votes prior to the count of absentee votes. LaFrance secured an extra 20 votes on Friday to extend his lead and win the second of the three-year seats available. Voting was up 3 percent from last year, with the 1,210 votes accounting for 16 percent of registered voters in Palmer. Write-in candidates received 17 total votes for the three-year term.

Berberich received votes on 60 percent of ballots. Candidates were allowed to vote for two of the three candidates on the ballot. Best received votes on 43 percent and LaFrance, 46.

Linda Combs ran unopposed for the lone two-year term. Combs received 575 votes, 86 of which were counted Friday. Write-in candidates received 45 votes.

Out of the 129 absentee by mail, electronic means, special needs, early, early questioned, and questioned poll ballots received, only 116 were counted. The ballots were split into 14 absentee, 88 regular early ballots, three special needs ballots, seven absentee ballots that were not returned, one spoiled ballot, and 12 of the 17 poll questioned ballots were not counted. A ballot is spoiled when the voter determines that they would like a new ballot and the original must be destroyed or ‘spoiled.’

The council held their certification of the election on Monday and swore in Berberich, Combs and LaFrance. Berberich was hopeful after taking the oath of office for the first time.

“I, too am humbled and honored to be up here with you guys. I look forward to working with city council. Richard thank you for all of your service,” Berberich said.

With the departure of Best, LaFrance was named the new deputy mayor, who only assumes the duties of the mayor if they are absent from a meeting. Linda Combs nominated Steve Carrington to be the new deputy mayor, and Sabrena Combs nominated LaFrance.

LaFrance won with Sabrena Combs, David Fuller, Berberich and LaFrance in support. Carrington was named alternate deputy mayor in the event that both Mayor Edna DeVries and LaFrance were absent.