Government

Phillips, Robins win close race in Greenport

JENNIFER GUSTAVSON PHOTOS | Julia Robins (left) and Mary Bess Phillips at a debate last week.

Mary Bess Phillips and Julia Robins won four-year terms on the Greenport Village Board in a close election Tuesday.

Ms. Phillips, the lone incumbent, was the tope vote-getter with 214 votes, followed by Ms. Robins, a first-time candidate, at 189. A third candidate, William Swiskey, secured 171 votes.

A total of 330 votes were cast, including 63 absentee ballots. Forty-three voters selected only one candidate. There were seven write-in votes, including two for “nobody.” Seven absentee ballots were also left blank.

Mr. Swiskey and Ms. Phillips shook hands after the results were announced. Ms. Robins was not in attendance.

“I’m very happy,” Ms. Phillips said. “I’m glad they honored me for my last four years. I plan on being just as busy in the next four years.”

When reached by phone, Ms. Robins admitted to being nervous over the outcome.

“I’m very grateful to everyone who supported me,” she said. “I’m excited and looking forward to being a member of the Village Board.

“I’m very happy the campaign is over and I’m ready to go to work,” Ms. Robins added.

Mr. Swiskey called the village a “mess” as he made his way out the door Tuesday night. “It’s probably just as well,” he said of the defeat.

Read the complete story in Thursday’s issue of The Suffolk Times.