Goff-Marcil, Lowndes win in Maitland election

Maitland’s municipal election results had two candidates jumping for joy – Joy Goff-Marcil and John Lowndes being named the city’s newest City Council members.

Monday night ended with a substantial lead for Lowndes, earning 1,380 votes compared to challenger Charlie Adkins’ 532. For Goff-Marcil, the race was tighter – beating well-known city volunteer and developer Renee Charlan by a mere 151 votes, according to initial polling numbers.

“I’m still shocked,” Goff-Marcil said, smiling as supporters swarmed in with congratulatory hugs. “I knew I had a chance, but I don’t think I ever let myself think that I had a real shot at winning.”

Goff –Marcil, a local attorney, threw her name in late to the race compared to her competitor, garnering quick support with her slogan “I’ll listen to you.” With her win, she’ll take over termed-out Councilwoman Bev Reponen’s seat for a three-year term.

By the numbers – unofficial vote counts:

Seat 3 – Joy Goff-Marcil 1,043; Renee Charlan 892.

Seat 4 – John Lowndes 1,380; Charlie Adkins 532.

“I’m going to keep that promise and listen to them, and I’m hoping I can fill Bev Reponen’s shoes, and they’re certainly a big hole to fill,” she said.

Sign waving and constant campaigning now over, attorney and former city board member John Lowndes – with his victory for Seat 4 – said he sees lots of studying in his future as he gets ready to fill the seat currently held by Councilman Jeff Flowers to take over the year remainder of former Councilman Phil Bonus’ term.

“I’m glad to know I have the support of so many people in Maitland … Now the task is to go do what they elected me to do, to protect the residents and the qualities they love about Maitland,” Lowndes said.

Both Lowndes and Goff-Marcil will be sworn in to their seats at the April 22 City Council meeting. They’ll join one of the freshest councils the city has seen. Only Councilwoman Linda Frosch has served a full term in her current capacity.

Frosch said she welcomed the two new Council members.

“I’d like to sincerely congratulate the candidates who won as well as those who worked hard in campaigning for this election,” she said. “I think the new members will be a very good council. I look forward to serving with John Lowndes and Joy (Goff Marcil).”

Councilwoman Reponen said Goff-Marcil and Lowndes are fresh, honest faces she’ll be happy to see serve the city as she steps down from the Council next month after six years of service.

“This is a real victory for the city,” she said.