After Recount, Conant Still Winner in Housing Authority Election

If anything is to be taken away from this year's Housing Authority election between incumbent Sandra Conant and challenger Elaine Sears, Conant says voters should remember that every vote counts.

"It’s very, very important to vote," she said. "Even if they consider it small, every vote really means a lot."

Conant, a 15-year member of the Housing Authority, defeated Sears by a final tally of 377-374 after town officials and volunteers conducted a recount of the April 26 election at Wednesday. After the election in April, the

Conant, who said she was glad it was finally over, was nervous throughout the day. The Parker Terrace resident says she looks forward to moving on with business.

"This means a lot to me," she said. "I love working on this and now that we have a new director we also have a good board and things are starting to get done that haven’t been done for years and I want to be a part of that."

While Sears originally said she would not petition for a recount, she said s

"My supporters and myself now have peace of mind with the results and wish Sandy success and the wisdom to make the right choices on the Housing Authority and that she can call upon you at any time for assistance and advice," Sears said in a statement. "My purpose in running was to improve the quality of life of Easton residents who reside in housing governed by the Housing Authority."

Town Clerk Jeremy Gillis said of the 128 signatures submitted for certification, only 46, or 36 percent, actually voted in the election.

Gillis said 886 residents, or approximately six percent of registered voters took part in the April 26 elections at . While participation was minimal, it still doubled turnout from the year before.

"Every few years when this election comes up, not too many people care," Conant said. "Not too many people go out to vote and it’s very important – very important."