Pat Stinnett Becomes Ward 6 City Councilman

Steve Purgahn and Pat Stinnett received surprising news following the that they had tied for the City Council seat. On Tuesday, the news proved to be different.

Stinnett defeated Purgahn Tuesday night, 430-364.

“It’s been an emotional rollercoaster,” Stinnett said following his win on Tuesday.

Stinnett also offered his opponent congratulations to his opponent for “a good, disciplined election.”

Purgahn, a certified public accountant who had his first foray into politics with this race, said he was disappointed with the results, but he was proud of his campaign.

“I have no regrets as far as how I did my campaign,” he said. “I don’t know how I could’ve done much more.”

The Aug. 2 election puts to rest a long campaign season for Ward 6. During the April 5 election, Purgahn, Stinnett and third candidate Ben Eye battled for the council seat. After the certification of the votes, Purgahn and Stinnett tied at 470 votes each.

A special runoff election became the result, and the two re-entered campaign mode.

Tuesday night was the culmination of a long-awaited result, and Stinnett is ready to get to work.

His top priority coming into office is to get the council on the same page and working together.

“I want the council to come together to work together and advance our community,” he said. “We can move our community ahead.”