WESTFIELD – Mayor Elect Brian P. Sullivan defeated opponent Michael L. Roeder by 1,001 votes according to unofficial results of the city’s general election released shortly before 8 p.m. by the City Clerk’s office.
Roeder, whose mayoral bid against outgoing Mayor Daniel M. Knapik two years ago fell short by 332 ballots, took only one precinct, Ward 4, Precinct 1 where he out polled Sullivan by 172-161. Sullivan led in all other of the 11 voting precincts.
A total of 7,962 registered voters, 34.08 percent, cast ballots in the general election with Sullivan garnering 4,421 to Roeder’s 3,420.
Sullivan, speaking to supporters at the Tavern on the Green Restaurant, following the release of the polling numbers, asked those supporters to continue working with him during the next two years.
“I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart,” Sullivan said. “This has been a great campaign based on all of you helping out.”
“This is just the beginning. I need you to be there when I have questions and I will be there when you have questions, for the next two years we’ll do this together,” Sullivan said. “This is just the beginning. Stay with me on this trail.”
Sullivan said that he was told today that his tenure in office will begin next week when incumbent Mayor Daniel M. Knapik, who secured a seat on the City Council as an At-large member, will leave office early.
“I get a jump on January,” Sullivan said. “My priority is to meet with all City Councilors and department heads to formulate an action plan based on cooperation right from the beginning.”
“I listened to people during the campaign and they want cooperation in city government,” Sullivan said.
To see an unofficial breakdown of entire city election results, click here.
