Ward wins, but not by much

Photo by Mike Orazzi/ The Bristol Press

After a bitter primary battle and a general election that at times turned nasty, Democrat Art Ward emerged victorious Tuesday, capturing the mayor’s office in a close race against Republican Ken Johnson.
“We took nothing for granted,” said Ward, who said it took “dedication and commitment” from his supporters to emerge victorious by a 52-48 margin.
As mayor, Ward said he wants to finish projects already underway – like the downtown mall and the new industrial park – before tackling anything new.
Ward promised a new tone at City Hall under his administration.
“Open government is first and foremost,” said Ward. “This city council will be treated with respect and civility. Respect will be shared jointly amongst all the council members.”
Ward said respect will also be given to the public, the city’s employees and the many people who serve on its board and commissions.
Johnson said that he “will sleep peacefully” because he ran a clean,straightforward campaign that raised a host of important issues andsought to get the community more involved in its government.Johnson said that nobody should count him out, either.“My aim is Ken Johnson, mayor-elect 2009,” Johnson said, declaring that “we start the 2009 campaign right now.”After talking with Johnson on the phone, Ward said his opponent “ran a real hard campaign.”
The election showed that candidates must be vigilant and “listen to the people,” Ward said.
Democratic city Councilor Frank Nicastro, who easily won re-election, said he’s sure Ward will do well in the mayor’s chair.
“I feel very confident that Art Ward will hit the ground running , and I mean running,” said Nicastro, who served five terms as mayor starting in 1993.
“Fourteen years ago, Art Ward and I stood side by side as a freshman mayor and as a freshman councilman,” said Nicastro. “Today’s a great day.”
At Nuchie’s in Forestville, where Democrats celebrated their election victories Tuesday, the party faithful came in confident.
Dick Inglis predicted Ward would win big, with percentages of 63 to 37.
“Everywhere Artie went, he knew the people coming in,” said Jay Meisinger. “I don’t see how he could lose.”
But city Treasurer Patti Ewen, who did not seek re-election, said she didn’t see a blowout coming.
“I think it’s going to be very close,” said Ewen.
Ewen was on the money.
As the results began coming in and Ward supporters saw Johnson take some of the districts – with others closely matched – the mood quieted a little bit.
“You never know,” said Ward.
“I’m shocked at this,” said Democratic worker Jeff Merrow, at the close results. “I just don’t believe this.”
Later, with victory in his pocket, Ward relaxed and celebrated, slapping a high-five with one supporter and clinking beer bottles with another.
Johnson said he plans to “continue to reach out” to residents to help ensure that everyone's voices are heard at City Hall.Johnson that the Republican Party is “not going to stop” with a couple of City Council wins. He said its future is vibrant.“We are not going to accept mediocrity in the city of Bristol,”Johnson told a cheering crowd at the Franco-American Club on Barlow Street.“If you believe in change and a new brand of leadership, then staytuned,” Johnson said.
Ward’s treasurer, Bob Dunlap, said he was glad the race was over
“What a rollercoaster,” said Dunlap. “I didn’t know what to expect.”
Dunlap said he wasn’t surprised at the final numbers.
“The divisiveness in the Democratic Party had a lot to do with it being so close,” said Dunlap, who said whatever he put into bringing Ward to victory was worth it.
Dunlap said he was only upset that Ward lost in Dunlap’s own precinct.
Republican Frank Johnson, who heads the Bristol Downtown Development Corp. and the zoning board, showed up to support Ward and wait for the returns.“I’ve been friends with Artie for two decades,” said a grinning Frank Johnson. “I’m allowed to come. He told me it was okay.”

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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com