Thomsen, Maass, Barnes Take Top Spots In Council Race

Peggy Thomsen, Peter Maass and Michael Barnes were the top three vote getters in Albany's City Council race.

Seven candidates ran for the three open slots. Thomsen was the only incumbent, and ranked first with 22.4 percent of votes. Maass, with 17.3 percent, came in second, and Barnes secured the third council spot with 16.2 percent of the vote.

"I am very heartened that the people of Albany have put their confidence in me again, and I look forward to serving with the other council members," said Thomsen, following news of her win.

"It's difficult to come to any firm conclusions about what the final vote tally means. We can ponder that on the Patch for the next few weeks," said Barnes, who thanked his supporters, including Thomsen, who he said he looked forward to working with. He also said he looked forward to talking to Albany residents about the city's future.

Candidate Nick Pilch got 15.4 percent of the vote. He said the large number of qualified candidates made for a tough race. "That's a lot of competition, especially with the caliber of the candidates," Pilch said. "I think my showing and support was very good, and I was close, but I have no cigar," he said.

Tod Abbott received 13.9; Sheri Spellwoman, 8.8 percent; and Ulan McKnight, 5.7 percent.

McKnight released the following statement the night of the election: "The voters of Albany have spoken loud and clear. I want to thank everyone who voted today. I want to especially thank my fellow City Council candidates who all ran positive campaigns. You were nice and friendly throughout the race and I am honored to have participated with you. Congratulations to Thomsen, Maass and Barnes."

*See here for more on Albany election results.