SEBASTIAN — Sebastian council members Andrea Coy and Don Wright will return to their seats on the dais for another two years and newcomer Bob McPartlan will join them, more than 2,600 voters decided.
McPartlan will fill the seat once held by Councilman Eugene Wolff, who chose not to run for re-election after having served two terms. This was the second time McPartlan has run for Sebastian City Council.
Wright won the council race 20 votes ahead of second place finisher Coy – with 1,663 and 1,643 votes, respectively. McPartlan finished third with 1,394 votes.
“I’m very pleased,” Wright said of his placement in the council race. “The voters sent a clear message that they like what we’re doing.”
He said he plans to continue working with the council to address the working waterfront project as well as move forward on redeveloping the parking lot behind the Hess gas station at US 1 and Sebastian Boulevard.
“It’s a high priority for us to get that right,” he said.
“I’m very happy and very excited,” McPartlan said of winning a seat on the council dais.
He said the most important issue he wants to address is the working waterfront project to make sure it is monitored more closely.
“I’m ready to get started,” McPartlan said.
Fourth place finisher was another newcomer to the City Council race, Amber Miller, who received 1,149 votes.
“I’m glad it’s over,” Miller said, adding that, though she didn’t win, she’s satisfied.
Having not run before for office or being involved in city government, Miller said she was surprised she placed as well as she did.
“I’m very thankful for the support that I did get,” Miller said.
She has not yet decided if she would again seek a seat on the council dais.
Placing fifth in the Sebastian election was second-time candidate Damien Gilliams, who received 703 votes.
Third-time challenger David DeVirgilio placed last in the council race, garnering 574 votes.
“I’m a little disappointed,” he said, adding, “The council has what it wants.”
What the future might hold for DeVirgilio is unclear.
“I’m probably going to step out for a while,” he said when asked if he might try again next election. “It’s always a fun experience. I enjoy it.”