Mandate?

Results article @ Somervile Journal

“I’m totally thrilled,” said Ballantyne from her victory party at Sabur in Teele Square. “This is a mandate. They wanted a new alderman… I’m delighted to be that person.”

Three Candidates Trane 538 42.8% Ballantyne 531 42.2% Puglia 187 14.8%

Two "Candidates" New Alderman 718 57.2% Incumbent 538 42.8%

I don't think I would call the result a mandate for change (but kudos to Ballantyne for the very politician-sounding spin).

We won't know, until November 8, how many Trane supporters stayed away from the polls yesterday safe in the knowledge that their candidate would advance. And, of course, there's no guarantee that those who voted for Puglia will cast another ballot for "new Alderman."