Recount results: Moreau, Baines, Scannell hold on to their respective seats

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Tim Baines gets a bear hug from his dad, former Mayor Bob Baines, as they waited for the final results of the Ward 3 election. Baines retained the win and will be the new Ward 3 Alderman. Photo/Carol Robidoux

MANCHESTER, NH – Friday’s recount in three city races at the Carol Rines Center resulted in no significant changes – in Ward 3, Tim Baines retained his lead over Alderman Pat Long, and Alderman Elizabeth Moreau’s Ward 6 seat remains hers, over opponent Peter Macone.

Ward 2 School Committee-elect David Scannell also retained his seat over incumbent Debra Gagnon Langdon.

The recount for Alderman took 90 minutes with several tables set up – three for each race – where counters counted and watchers watched. There were a few ballot challenges, but in the end, Baines picked up 1 vote and Long picked up 2 for a margin of 6 votes in favor of Tim Baines.

As the results in Ward 3 were announced, former Mayor Bob Baines and wife, Maureen, took turns hugging their son.

“I’m so happy,” said his mom, looking a little teary-eyed.

“I guess I’ll have to start watching Aldermen meetings again,” said his dad, with a broad smile.

Alderman Pat Long attended the recount, but made a quick exit after the results were announced. 

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Ward 12 Alderman Keith Hirshmann oversees the recount for Ward 6 Alderman. Photo/Carol Robidoux

“The voters decided not to use my services,” Long said afterward. He said he plans to continue his volunteer work with the Valley Cemetery revitalization project, and will continue working behind the scenes in Ward 3 on various initiatives, including housing.

As for Baines’ tenure as the new ward alderman, Long said, simply, “Good luck to him.” 

In Ward 6, the vote count for Moreau held at 1,128, while Macone picked up 1 vote. Moreau was not in attendance for the recount. Macone, who stayed for the entire process, said it was a good experience for him, and that he’s looking forward to remaining active in city politics.

“I’d like to get some more use out of my signs,” he said. “They’re not cheap.”

The recount for Ward 2 school board followed, between incumbent Debra Gagnon Langton, who lost in the election to opponent David Scannell, by 20 votes. Langton’s husband, Michael, was on hand for the recount, as were Scannell and his wife, Kim.

In the end, Scannell’s lead widened slightly, besting Langdon by a margin of 27 votes, 1,078 to 1,051. Scannell picked up 8 votes, and Langdon picked up 1 vote for a total of 2,129 votes cast.

 

About this Author

Carol Robidoux

PublisherManchester Ink Link

Longtime NH journalist and publisher of ManchesterInkLink.com. Loves R&B, German beer, and the Queen City!