Boyne, Ciaccio, McGough elected to Washington Township Council
By: Scott Morgan
WASHINGTON The township’s first council race since the form of government changed in 2005 ended Tuesday with voters electing the slate of Tim McGough, Chris Ciaccio and David Boyne to three-year terms.
Though only 18 percent of the township’s 7,251 registered voters came out Tuesday, those who did chose the trio to represent the nonpartisan council by a near 2-to-1ratio. Ms. Ciaccio received the most votes of any candidate with 845. Mr. Boyne, an incumbent, received 790, and Mr. McGough received 745.
The trio defeated newcomer Regina Arcuri, who received 429 votes, Councilman Larry Schneider, who received 463 and former Mayor Doug Tindall, who received 424.
Mr. McGough said Tuesday night that the voters’ decisive choice of his slate shows that residents support the trio’s platform of economic growth and development and a move toward lowering the township’s high taxes.
Mr. Boyne, an incumbent, echoed the sentiment, saying that having the slate elected allows the entire Township Council to "move forward with unity." He added that the addition of Mr. McGough and Ms. Ciaccio to the council will help bring new and valuable elements to the government.
Ms. Ciaccio, breathless with excitement following word of her victory, said that Tuesday’s election shows that residents feel they are being led in the right direction.
Ms. Arcuri said she enjoyed the race, despite the fact that she didn’t win.
"Considering it was an uphill battle as a newcomer, I’m pleased with the support I received," she said Tuesday. I enjoyed meeting the residents … and I will continue to advocate for the issues of my platform."
Those issues have been a call for more open government and a wish to have more and better access to information.
She added, "I look forward to getting more residents participating (in township matters)."
Mr. Tindall said that he is proud to have stood as an independent candidate alongside Ms. Arcuri and Mr. Schneider.
"We gave the people a choice," he said, adding that the low voter turnout was the likely reason his numbers were not higher.
"I congratulate the new council members," he said. "But I want to remind them that their responsibility as council members is not to be a rubber stamp for the mayor, but to listen to the residents."
Mr. Schneider did not return calls for comment.
The Township Council will reorganize on July 1.