Slingerland easily wins re-election
By MICHAEL ANICH, The Leader-HeraldArticle Photos
JOHNSTOWN - Incumbent Republican Mayor Sarah J. Slingerland rolled to a landslide victory over her independent opponent Tuesday, becoming the first two-term Johnstown mayor elected in two decades.
According to unofficial Fulton County Board of Elections results, Slingerland beat political newcomer Stuart D. Myzal by a vote of 1,359 to 288 in the city.
There are 175 absentee ballots that went out to voters in the city, with 111 received back.
"I'm pleased that the community is happy with how well we've done for the last four years," Slingerland said Tuesday night.
She noted she's the first Johnstown mayor to capture back-to-back races since former Mayor Donald Murphy did so 20 years ago. The 60-year-old Slingerland, who lives at 8 Union Place, also was the city's first female mayor when she was first elected in 2005.
Slingerland said there are some things she would like to finish that she started in her first term. They include continuing on what she called "foundation documents," such as initiatives recommended in the city's Comprehensive Plan and proposed zoning changes. She also wants to continue beautification efforts in the city.
"I'm personally proud of the council," the mayor said. "The council's an absolute pleasure to work with."
As a retired school teacher, she said she has been involved in public service for many years.
Myzal, 60, of 10 Ted Drive, a registered Democrat who ran as an independent, decided to face Slingerland in the race for the city's part-time mayor position, which pays $13,241 annually.
Myzal, who is retired from the Tryon Residential Center in Perth, said during a Democratic reception Tuesday at Partner's Pub that he was glad he decided to run.
"It was interesting," Myzal said. "I got to meet a lot of nice people in the city of Johnstown."
He noted he's a first-timer in politics, and for his first time running a campaign, it was "low key on both sides."
"It was pleasant," said Myzal, who wished Slingerland luck in her next term. He said the next two years in the Colonial City will be difficult financially, as city officials deal with the state aid situation.
Myzal's wife, Helen, said her husband is now officially retired from politics and will not run for any office again.
She said Slingerland "needs to get out" and spend more time on Main Street listening to the concerns of business people.
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at johnstown@leaderherald.com.
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Discobulous
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11-05-09 9:29 AM
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The people of Johnstown have no concerns. Therefore all is peaceful and well.
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OxyMoron
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11-04-09 11:32 PM
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Congrats Mayor. Keep up the good work, we are proud of you and our city!
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Constantine
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11-04-09 2:32 PM
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Lets hope Stu Myzal stays retired, as for Mayor Slingerland needing to get "out and listen to the concerns" of others...from personal experience I would say the Myzals need to be respectful of the concerns and lives of others first before pointing fingers at others...
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Discobulous
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11-04-09 11:52 AM
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To infinity and beyond!
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FireKatt
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11-04-09 11:37 AM
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Love It!! Congrats Sarah! Johnstown is looking good and looking even better now... Great Job Johnstown voters!!!
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mikegville
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11-04-09 11:30 AM
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Good for her...Johnstown is doing far better than a couple of other towns I could name..
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