Duffy Leads Nail-Biter in Special Election for Tredyffrin Board of Supervisors Special Election

With all precincts now reporting democrat Molly Duffy held a razor thin margin over incumbent Mike Heaberg for an at-large seat on the Tredyffrin Board of Supervisors.

Preliminary returns give Duffy a 40 vote margin over Heaberg, who was running to hold the at-large seat he was appointed to a few months ago.

With all precincts reporting Duffy had 2,266 votes. Heaberg had 2,225. Heaberg put the margin at just eight votes, citing unspecified reports of voting machine malfunctions.

In an email to Patch Heaberg indicates there is a need for a recount.

The race centered on taxes, spending and township planning issues, including a debate over the future of a proposed Septa Transportation Center at the Paoli Train Station. Democrat Duffy, an environmental lawyer and former Planning Commission member, challenged  Heaberg, a professional financial advisor who was appointed to the seat earlier this year.  Heaberg told Patch on Tuesday that it was the first time he had been to polling places as a candidate.

As with most elections, the final outcome will depend on voter turnout. According to the Chester County Board Elections reports, voter turnout hovered around an anemic ten percent across most Tredyffrin polling places.  

Heaberg spoke to supporters while awaiting final numbers which may not be certified for several days. The video is posted on the Mainline Media News website.