Vero Beach: McDonald, Abell, White victoriousBy Isabelle Gan staff writer VERO BEACH — Voters elected two newcomers and ousted
two incumbents Tuesday.
"I think the voters of Vero Beach have decided to have a change in
leadership," declared 52-year-old Mary Beth McDonald, amid reggae music at
her victory party at the Quail Valley River Club.
McDonald, the city's former communications director, won with the highest
votes. Sabin Abell Jr., a marketing and sales agent, came in second. And Vice
Mayor Tom White, who was the highest vote-getter during his last three
campaigns, came in third winning his fourth term.
This year's wins correlate strongly with the candidates' campaign war chests.
McDonald raised the most money followed by Abell and White respectively.
"I feel very good and I'm happy the voters still trust me to do a
good job for them," said White, 58, from his party at the 14th Avenue
Steakhouse.
Abell appeared stunned as he stood surrounded by members of the Riomar
Neighborhood Association at a board member's residence.
"There was no way to know (who was going to win) during the
process," said the 71-year-old.
"It was only today going to the different poll places did I feel there
was a good possibility I could be one of three winning tonight."
Abell was endorsed by the beachside association. McDonald and 78-year-old
retiree Grig Peabody were also endorsed by the group.
"It wasn't what I was hoping for," said Peabody on his way to the
Riomar party.
Councilman Michael Wangen, who was 172 votes shy of being in the top three,
called this year's efforts a "great campaign."
"I wish everybody the best," said the 37-year-old architect.
Councilman Craig Fletcher could not be reached for comment. He would have
been serving his third term.
For candidate Brian Heady, it was a seventh unsuccessful run for City
Council. But the 56-year-old was nonplussed.
"You're bringing me the good news because the voters have decided to
keep me on the citizen's side of the podium," he said when he heard of the
poll results.
The three winners will be sworn in at 10 a.m. today at City Hall, 1053 20th
Place.
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