Allison T. Williams, Andy Prutsok and Douglas Grant

Less than 30 minutes after polls closed Tuesday, Frank Koncz posted results from the Elephant’s Fork Precinct, prompting the crowd of some 200 Charles Parr supporters who packed Ed’s Place to erupt in cheers.

It was a scene that would be repeated three more times as the Parr campaign steamrolled incumbent Suffolk Borough City Councilman Bobby Ralph by a nearly 2-to-1 margin.

Parr wound up capturing 63 percent of the 1,530 votes cast — 960 to Ralph’s 570 — in what could be described as a landslide.

When asked what was the deciding factor in the race, Parr replied simply, “The tax issue.”

“I addressed the tax issue straight up without any fluff,” said Parr, who had said during the campaign he thought the mill rate should be cut by at least 20 cents. “The questions were asked and I answered them.”

Parr had between 40 and 60 volunteers working the polls throughout the day. His face was red from being out in the sun all day greeting voters, saying he took only one break for a Wendy’s burger.

Parr said the other big issue in the race was the proposed development in the Pitchkettle Road area recently approved by council. Many residents are opposed to it.

That was the biggest issue in Elephant’s Fork and you can see the results,” Parr said, pointing to the board at Ed’s Place that showed him carrying the precinct by a vote of 369-130.

Jeffrey Gardy

History repeated itself in the city’s Holy Neck Borough Tuesday, when local attorney Jeffrey Gardy defeated Suffolk City Councilman Calvin Jones by 270 votes. No incumbent has ever been re-elected in that district.

Gardy took the race with 1,091 votes; Jones received 821.

Gardy, who was celebrating his victory with dozens of supporters at the Lee-Jordan Clubhouse after the polls closed, believes voters are demanding change.

“I don’t think there is any question that people are unhappy with the present administration and leadership,” he said. “People want change.”

Gardy, a political newcomer, said he was “happy and relieved” the campaign was over.

“Calvin ran a clean, honorable and hard race. I want to thank all my supporters and the people who voted for me for their loyalty and support.”

Though disappointed with the election’s outcome, Jones said he’s proud of his campaign and 12 years of public service to the city. He spent eight years on the Suffolk School Board prior to his 2002 election to council.

“We ran a campaign with honesty and integrity,” he said. “Looking back, I am proud of what we accomplished while I served on council.

“I am leaving with my head held high.”

Progress has been made in the Holy Neck Borough during his tenure, Jones said. Efforts are finally underway to get sewer service to Holland and city leaders are placing a heavier emphasis on monitoring growth in the borough.

Barlow wins

Joseph Barlow, representing Chuckatuck, defeated challengers J. David Gray and Mary Hill for his first-ever full term on council.

Barlow, who has been appointed twice to fulfill unexpired terms of other council members, took the victory with 801 votes, to Gray’s 607 and Hill’s 351.

Contacted at his home last night after verifying his win, Barlow thanked all of those who made it all possible.

“I am very pleased,” he said. “I had some good people working for me and good supporters and friends.

“I am also very pleased with the voter’s confidence in me.”

As for his challengers, Barlow was nothing but complimentary.

“They were very good competitors and everything was on the issues,” he said.

Gray said he called Barlow following the final numbers and congratulated him on his win and wished him luck.

As for the other two council contests, Gray said, “The people voted them out; it was the people’s choice,” but he added it was too early to say whether that will be a positive or negative for the city.

Hill said it was a privilege to be a part of the process and a candidate to represent the people of the borough.

“I wanted to show the people that I was for the people and this wasn’t about Mary Hill.”

Hill, who said this would not be her last foray into the political arena, also thanked the voters who cast their ballots for her.

“I appreciate their believing in me enough that I’d push the issues that impacted them.” she said.