McManus, Patterson win Warwick trustee seats

Warwick — Village of Warwick voters returned George McManus to the village board Tuesday, and gave the nod to newcomer Eileen Patterson in a mostly quiet election with a moderate turnout. First-term trustee, Stephen L. Pascal, failed in his bid for reelection. He also received 44 write-in votes for mayor. About an hour before the polls closed at 9 p.m., someone found “Pascal for mayor” written on the ballot in the election machine. A report was filed with the Warwick Police for machine tampering. No political paraphernalia is allowed inside or within 100 feet of a polling place. Will this have any impact on the results? Doubtful, but it’s up to the village board to decide if the machine tampering affected the outcome, according to Village Clerk Jacque Mongelli. Mayor Michael Newhard, who ran unopposed, garnered the most votes on the slate. “That was great,” said Newhard the day after his reelection. “It showed a level of support, which pleased me, but also made me feel I’m doing the job and will continue to do so.” Those who showed their support for Newhard are meeting this Sunday, from 1-5 p.m., at 30 Wisner Road, just off Kings Highway, for a celebration. Patterson’s enthusiasm, exhibited throughout her campaign, hadn’t waned by the next afternoon. The trustee-elect said she is looking forward to serving on the board. “I’m very excited to be working with George McManus,” said Patterson. “And I’m glad Michael Newhard was reelected. I’m really anxious to get started. I want to dive in and get things done.” McManus, who will begin his second term on the village board, was the top vote-getter among the trustee candidates. He was excited at such a strong showing of support. “I’m very glad that the people have the confidence in me to let me have another term as a trustee,” said McManus. “I was surprised that Steve (Pascal) lost. I would like to thank him for his time and dedication given to the village residents over the last three years.” But McManus was also ready to look forward to the next term and especially to working with his new colleagues. “I’m sure that Eileen (Patterson) will jump right in and get situated in the position. The board will continue to do what is best for all residents of the village. I look forward to working with the rest of the board,” he said. McManus has a large resume of public service, including spending 15 years on the Warwick Valley Central School District Board of Education and serving as president of the Warwick Lion’s Club, of which he is still a member. Both the trustees’ and the mayor’s terms are four years. All will be sworn in at the village’s annual reorganizational meeting on Monday, April 3.