November 4 Election Results: Jean-Marie Brescia Returned as Judge on Low Turnout

by Judy Silberstein

(November 6, 2003) Voter turnout was “abysmally low” said one Democratic Party leader on Tuesday evening, but he wasn’t complaining about the results: Democrat Jean-Marie Brescia out-ran Republican Don Derrico to earn a four-year term as Mamaroneck Town Justice. Democrats Judy Myers and Phyllis Wittner were running unopposed for their Council seats, as was Republican Valerie O’Keeffe, the Town Supervisor.

“I’m delighted that the voters have placed their trust in me and that I will continue serving as Town Justice,” said Brescia late Tuesday night.

“I think she was a wonderful candidate and an exceptional person,” said Town Democratic Chairperson Roz Weinstein. “The voters showed good judgment.”

Appointed by the Town Board in January to fill a spot left vacant by the death of Martin King, Brescia will now serve at the pleasure of the electorate – or at least those who showed up at the polls to support her.

“In my 24 years as clerk, this is the lowest turnout I have ever seen,” said Town Clerk Pat DiCioccio. “ Last time the Supervisor and Town Council members ran unopposed, and there was still a turnout approximating 50%. This one will be below 30%, even after all the absentee ballots are counted,” she noted.

“We definitely anticipated a low turnout,” said Don Derrico, who was catching up with work and family a few days after the election. “That’s why we worked so hard to get Republicans out to vote.”

“I’m thankful that the race was hard-fought, yet dignified,” he commented. “It’s great to be able to have dinner with the family again.”