New Windsor voters returned two incumbents to the Town Council and added one new face to the panel yesterday.
More than 50 percent of the town's 395 registered voters re-elected Ronnie Blacksten and Terry Petry, and gave the third seat to Paul G. Garver.
Mr. Blacksten, who was appointed to the council in 1992, won his first election with 168 votes, the most of the five candidates.
"It's a vote of confidence," said Mr. Blacksten, who chairs the police committee. "The town is pleased with the direction we are headed in."
Mr. Petry, who has served six years on the council and chairs the water and sewer committee, won a third term with 130 votes.
"The vote shows confidence in us, and I appreciate it," he said. "Everybody has the same concerns about the town and we are all working together."
With 143 votes, Mr. Garver, a town Planning Commission mem
ber, will replace D. Kenneth Grimes, who retired last month after five terms on the council.
The second try for office proved to be a charm for Mr. Garver, who ran two years ago and lost a council seat by 13 votes. His term begins in June.
"I will do the best that I can for the town," he said. "I want to be part of all the changes we will be making."
J. Edward Green garnered 80 votes. Kevin G. Null, president of the New Windsor Recreation Council, earned 46 votes.
The candidates had campaigned for their four-year terms with fliers and phone calls.
A few went door-to-door in the town of 848 residents.
Of the 395 registered voters, 196 went to the polls at the fire hall.
"That is really good for an off year when there is no mayoral contest," said Raymond Strine, election judge.
In the 1993 election, when the mayor's job and two council seats were contested, 172 of the 352 registered voters turned out for the election.
