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Sean Sullivan retains Cumberland council seat after recount

Sullivan received 603 votes while Kishi received 598
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Sean Sullivan (left) and Roger Kishi (right) are the two canddates at the centre of a recount for the final council seat in Cumberland. Sullivan won the seat by two votes (602-600) after which Kishi was granted a recount.

Sean Sullivan has been officially declared the fourth member of Cumberland council, after a recount held at Cumberland council chambers Wednesday morning.

Roger Kishi had been granted a recount, after finishing two votes behind Sullivan (602-600) in the Oct. 20 election.

The recount produced a five-vote victory for Sullivan, 603-598.

Two ballots were rejected in the recount after examination by the judge.

Though Kishi said he was disappointed with the result, he said he’s glad he went through this process.

“I’m disappointed about not being re-elected, but I think now it gives us a clearer understanding… of some of the issues around what I filed my application on,” said Kishi.

In an affidavit explaining his reasoning for applying for a judicial recount, Kishi stated there were 1399 ballots placed through the scanner, but only 1398 electors registered and issued ballots. He also stated that a blank ballot was counted at the special poll, and it is possible the scanner was unable to read the voter’s intention.

Sullivan was in Ontario at the time of the recount, but was reached over text for comment.

“I’m very excited to serve Cumberland for four more years and I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Roger for his service and his mentorship,” said Sullivan.