Voters speak out in primary

By Julie Snyder
C & G Staff Writer

The seven St. Clair Shores City Council hopefuls have been officially narrowed to six.

During the Aug. 7 primary election, incumbent Beverly McFadyen blew ahead of the pack with 3,870 votes — a majority from absentee ballots. She also claimed one precinct victory.

“I want to thank the voters for their support,” said McFadyen who was elected onto council in November 1999 and is seeking her third win. “It’s nice to know the people voting for you are sincere in wanting you back.”

Voters will next choose three of the remaining candidates to serve the city during the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 6. Also on the ballot will be the mayoral race between Mayor Robert Hison and opponent Nathan Kaczmarek.

“I’m happy to serve another four years for my community,” McFadyen said. “Now it’s upward and onward and I’ll use all of my power you represent the residents in the manner I have for the last eight years.”

Appointed Councilman Ronald Frederick received the next highest number of votes with 3,501.

Frederick, who has been serving on council since September 2005, won six precincts.

“I’m extremely happy that the voters said they were happy with Bev and I,” Frederick said. “You never have any expectations (in an election); you just want to work hard.

And what do the next three months hold?

“I want to work harder for the general election and get more people out there voting,” Frederick said.

Coming in a very close third, only 46 nods away from Frederick, was newcomer David Rubello, who garnered 3,455 votes and claimed victory in 12 of 24 precincts.

Rubello said he worked unfailingly during his campaign, knocking on many doors in the city and learning a lot about the concerns of its residents. He said he was pleased that his hard work and dedication paid off.

 “The results of the primary show that the people of St. Clair Shores are ready for a change, and I’m ready to do the job,” said Rubello, who is employed with C & G Newspapers.

And what did he learn during his campaign?

“People are unhappy and there is a lot of struggle. The residents are worried about crime and about getting affordable services.

“I will work hard to make St. Clair Shores a safer, more affordable and appealing city for families as well as businesses,” Rubello said. “Together, we will make this a city we can all be proud to call home.”

Newcomer Jack Downey received 2,744 votes and claimed one precinct victory.

Downey a St. Clair Shores resident for 60 years, said he is pleased with the outcome, but was expecting more support.

Regardless, Downey’s still impressive showing reignited his desire to be a member of City Council and work firsthand on issues in St. Clair Shores such as city spending for emergency services and how the city deals with current and new business.

“I’m going to put more into it (campaigning) over the next couple of months,” said Downey, who retired after 44 years as a Riggers and Ironworkers Local 25 union member. “I’m going to go for the jugular.”

Also moving onto the general election is former Councilman William Nearon, who received 2,682 votes, and Lee Bertolo, who received 1,539 votes.

Nearon, who served on council for eight years, said he was very pleased with the outcome of the election. He recalled that when he first ran for council in 1995, he was in fifth place in the primary, but later won the general election.

“A lot of people asked me to run again, so I thought I would test the waters,” Nearon said. “I’m very pleased with the support I received from the voters. It’s very encouraging when you’re out of office for a time and can still have the confidence of the voters. It’s a nice welcome back.”

Paul Lechner received 731 votes.

“I’m going to stay active,” said Lechner, a 43-year-old Army veteran.

Lechner said he wants to talk with the remaining candidates to learn what their areas of concern are within the city. He still feels the city needs to be more business friendly and needs to continue to maintain police and fire services, including providing more training and more safety equipment for personnel. “It was a good learning experience,” Lechner said.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Julie Snyder at jsnyder@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1039.