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Graham and Butler to compete for Watertown mayor in November

Julia Botero
/
WRVO news
Mayor Jeff Graham (left) and Councilman Joe Butler (right) will vie for position of Watertown mayor in November

City councilman Joe Butler and incumbent Jeff Graham earned the most votes in Watertown’s mayoral primary. Both candidates will go on to compete to be Watertown's next mayor in the November general election. 

At the end of Thursday, results showed Butler with a total of 903 votes, inching ahead of incumbent Graham by just one vote in the non-partisan race. Graham says this means the upcoming general election for mayor will be exciting.

“We both know each other, we know each other records in fact we share the same record on a lot of issues. Its going to come down to a few key points being who has the time and inclination and track record to work with new council member and who has the time and willingness to put time into the job,” Graham said.

Graham is running for his sixth term as Watertown’s mayor. He was first elected in 1991. Butler has served on the city council for eight years and says he’d like to rein in the city’s spending. Graham says he has the experience and connections to continue improving the city.

Councilman Steve Jennings, who received only 502 votes Thursday, says he’s disappointed by the results, especially the low voter turnout. A little over 2,000 people voted in the primary.

“I tried to push among voters, you got to go out and vote if you really want change. I’m disappointed by the turnout but you know, that’s how elections go and I’ll continue on," Jennings said.

Jennings will continue to serve out his term on council for another two years. The next mayor of Watertown will be determined in the general election on November 3.