NEWS

Dover election: Mayor re-elected; 3 incumbents lose

Jon Offredo
The News Journal
Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen was elected to his first full term Tuesday night.

Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen was elected to his first full term as the city's top politician Tuesday night after he carried the election with 1,390 votes.

Christiansen, who ran on a campaign to tighten public safety and boost business across the city, defeated former Mayor Carleton Carey, who received 622 votes, and retired school teacher George Gaudioso, who received 104 votes. Christiansen became mayor last year after winning a special election to replace Carey, who was asked to resign following allegations that he violated employment and affirmative action policies and abused his authority by influencing the appointment of a deputy police chief.

In the races for five open City Council seats, five new faces head to the council chamber. The three incumbents running for re-election were all unseated. Dover city council has a total of nine seats, two each representing four districts and one at-large seat.

Scott Cole

The biggest surprise of the night was the defeat of long-standing Councilman David Bonar. He was beaten by newcomer Scott Cole 345-241. Bonar said he was heartened by the good turnout in the city elections, but obviously disappointed with his result.

"He's a bright guy. He's a very dedicated young man, and I'm grateful to have him serve on our council," Bonar said. "Obviously, I'm disappointed, but that's politics."

Cole said he respects Bonar and his work on the council.

"I don't think it's anything against him. I think it's just that I got to get out there and meet [constituents] face-to-face," he said.

James Hosfelt

Councilwoman Beverly Williams lost her seat to former Dover Police Chief James Hosfelt, 485-325.

The vacant seat left by former Councilman and current Rep. Sean Lynn, D-Dover, was filled by Fred Neil, who defeated Chevis Anderson 404-172. Neil will serve the rest of the vacant term, which ends in May 2017.

In an uncontested race, Capital school board member Brian Lewis will fill the spot left by Councilman Adam Perza. To serve on the council, Lewis will have to resign from his post on the school board.

Roy Sudler Jr.

Councilman Wallace Dixon lost his seat after being defeated by Roy Sudler Jr. 153-84. Kenneth Roach, who also ran in the race, received 84 votes.

The newly elected city officials will be sworn into office May 11.

Contact Jon Offredo at (302) 678-4271, on Twitter @JonOffredo or joffredo@delawareonline.com.