Heaberg Declares Victory, Thanks Supporters for Win

One day after telling Patch he was not yet sure what he was allowed to say, incumbent Republican Tredyffrin Supervisor Mike Heaberg formally declared victory and  thanked his supporters for a (now three vote) win in May 17th's special election for township supervisor.

In a statement emailed to TE Patch and headlined "Heaberg Wins Special Election, Thanks people of Tredyffrin, Chester County Voting Services" Heaberg declared victory. The statement comes after Heaberg, Democrat challenger Molly Duffy, their attorneys, and officials from both parties closely observed a hand count of ballots that changed the initial vote count in the race from a 40 vote win for Duffy to a three vote win for Heaberg.

The official count in the special election will not be certified until mid-June. Heaberg's statement indicates that he does not expect a challenge of Monday's count from the Democrats.  In addition to thanking his supporters Heaberg's statement reads "I also wish to join with the leaders of the Democratic Party of Tredyffrin who expressed their confidence in Voter Services' ability to come to an accurate and reliable tabulation. I thank the professionals there who took the time to investigate reports of voting machine issues on election day and put in the effort to ensure a result in which all residents can have confidence."

The May 17th special election was to fill the at-large Board of Supervisor seat that had been held by Warren Kampf. Kampf was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives last November. Heaberg was appointed to the seat in February pending last week's special election.

Even if Duffy chooses not to challenge the result of Monday's vote count, she does not have to wait long for a rematch. Duffy and Heaberg are running against each other for a full term on Tredyffrin Board of Supervisors in this November's general election. 

Here is the statement Heaberg emailed to reporters:

“In light of the hand count of all votes in this race by Chester County Voter Services in the presence of representatives from both campaigns, and with the results of that count showing my campaign to have won, I want to thank the voters of Tredyffrin for their support and all of the people who worked so hard in this campaign to make this victory a reality.”

“I look forward to representing the concerns of all Tredyffrin residents and addressing issues of importance to all, just as I have as an interim Supervisor. I ran on a platform of continuing fiscally responsible government that meets the needs of residents and protects our quality of life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and continue a successful track-record for the people of Tredyffrin.”

“While the special election is now over, I look forward to continuing to meet with and talk to the people of Tredyffrin as I seek their support for a full term as Supervisor.”

“I also wish to join with the leaders of the Democratic Party of Tredyffrin who expressed their confidence in Voter Services’ ability to come to an accurate and reliable tabulation. I thank the professionals there who took the time to investigate reports of voting machine issues on election day and put in the effort to ensure a result in which all residents can have confidence.”