McGinn Defeats Incumbent Athas in Ward 2

Peter McGinn has never held public office before, but he does have a long history of community activity in his hometown, as well as some political roots in his family.

McGinn, 50, defeated incumbent Ward 2 Councilor Arthur Athas on Tuesday and by a large margin. McGinn received 60 percent of the vote to 38 percent for Athas with the other 2 percent of ballots as blanks or write-ins.

McGinn won in all three precincts for a total of 702 votes to Athas' 437.

"I wish nothing but the best for Arthur," McGinn said, adding that he felt both of them ran "upbeat," "positive" campaigns that just remained focused on the issues.

He said his main focus throughout the campaign was simply canvassing the ward and making sure to knock on as many doors and connect with as many voters as possible. In that same vein, McGinn says he has no set agenda come January beyond adjusting to being a new councilor.

McGinn has been a member of the Community Preservation Committee and numerous downtown revitalization efforts over the years.

This was the first time Athas had been challenged for the seat since winning it in a tough primary fight eight years ago. It's also the first time in many years that a sitting councilor in that ward has been defeated.

Athas, 60, released a brief statement to reporters Tuesday night.

"Congratulations and good luck to Peter McGinn. A lot of voters were obviously unhappy with my job performance and they told me this tonight. I couldn't have done anything different in this campaign, and I wouldn't have done anything different as a city councilor," Athas wrote. "I wish the best for the residents of Ward 2."