Keene: Low turnout, some turnover

KEENE – There will be some new blood on the city council with a few long-time council members ousted in Tuesday’s election.

Of the 16,842 registered voters, only 1,732 came out to vote, according to the Keene City Clerk’s office.

Janis O. Manwaring beat out incumbent councilman Arnold H. Bailey 114-92 for Ward 1. Joseph W. Bendzinski lost to newcomer June Donegan for Ward 5 in a close 232-202 vote. And Terry Clark beat out Matthew Walton, 207-153.

Seven candidates were on the ticket for five at-large seats, with all the incumbents and local business owner Randy L. Filiault winning thespots.

The votes broke down as follows: James P. Duffy, 1,025; Kris E. Roberts, 993; Ruth R. Venezia, 914; Nathanial Stout, 780; Filiault, 746; Steve Lindsey, 558; John F. Hayes 702; Nick Ryder, 393; and Clark E. Anderson, 305.

The seats for Wards 2 and 4 were also unopposed, with Mitchell H. Greenwald, who received 230 votes, and Philip M. Jones, who received 242 votes, each keeping their seats. Mayor Philip Dale Pregent ran unopposed for Mayor, securing his seat for another term. He received 1,453 votes.