Bissonnette promised to work harder to get along with the City Council after a long year of frequent fighting.

The Republican | Michael BeswickChicopee Mayor Michael Bissonette celebrates his re-election Tuesday night at his campaign headquarters.

Just 50 minutes after the polls closed Mayor Michael D. Bissonnette thanked supporters for returning him to office, saying he was proud to have received 62 percent of the vote over his challenger Gary R. Lefebvre.

He promised to work harder to get along with the City Council after a long year of frequent fighting.

All of the incumbent city councilors were returned to office as was Keith W. Rattell, the city clerk, who was in a close fight against Erin J. Biela, a political newcomer.

All the School Committee incumbents won as well.

In City Council Ward 9, which is an open seat, Gerry Roy beat Darlene Dout.

The vote was 4,297 to 3,180

Richard Cohen

AGAWAM - Mayor Richard Cohen beat former state Rep. Rosemary Sandlin in Tuesday's election.

The vote was 4,297 to 3,180.

Neffinger beat Matthews by a voate of 2,938 tp 2,167.

Photo by Don Treeger / The RepublicanWest Springfield mayoral candidate Gregory C. Neffinger campaigns outside the polls at the Mittineague Congregational Church on Tuesday. On the left are his nieces Alexis Neffinger, 16, and her sister Grace, 10. On the right is his sister-in-law Doris Neffinger.

WEST SPRINGFIELD - Republican Gregory Neffinger was elected the second mayor in West Springfield's history Tuesday by defeating Democrat Gerard B. Matthews.

Neffinger beat Matthews by a voate of 2,938 tp 2,167.

In the District 3 Town Councilor race George D. Condon III won the seat with 1,096 votes to Daniel G. Sullivan's 744 votes.

In the District 4 Town Councilor race John R. Sweeney beat out Mark D. Bergeron with 836 votes to Bergeron's 614 votes.

"Holy mackerel!," Morse said, to cheers inside a tent outside his Northampton Street headquarters. Watch video

HOLYOKE -- Alex B. Morse became the youngest mayor in city history Tuesday as the 22-year-old defeated Mayor Elaine A. Pluta, a political fixture here for decades.

With unofficial voting results in, Morse said Pluta had conceded.

"Holy mackerel!," Morse said, to cheers inside a tent outside his Northampton Street headquarters.

"This is an incredible moment,not just for this campaign, but for the city of Holyoke.This has never been about me. This has never been about Alex Morse. This has been about the future of Holyoke," Morse said.

Pluta, 67, is in her first term after having been a city councilor for 14 years.

The election of Morse, who graduated from Brown University in May, means the mayor's office will be occupied by a foe of casino gambling. Pluta was an early casino backer because she said it was the city's best shot at a multiple-job infusion.

Instead, Morse said, the city should focus on its assets. He included among these the $168 high performance computing center that a partnership of colleges and high-technology firms is building on Bigelow Street at the first-level canal.

Morse overcame criticism from Pluta and others that he lacked experience, both life experience, given his age, and municipal government experience, to be considered fit to run a city with a $120 million budget.

Pluta was believed to have been hurt by a campaign that didn't take Morse seriously until late in the race. Morse defeated Pluta in the four-candidate preliminary election Sept. 20, by a single vote.

Morse's win led Pluta to declare she was in the political fight of her life.

Also, city councilors and others said Pluta was hurt by the legal problems of William P. Moran, the former acting fire chief and a Pluta supporter in her 2009 campaign, when she made history as the first female mayor.

It was Morse declaring Tuesday that his campaign made history by running a positive campaign based on working to get all residents a good education, a good job and a safe neighborhood in which to live.

"We denied and rejected the politics of the past," Morse said.

This is an updated version of a story posted at 8:36 tonight.

Sarno won with 14,620 votes to 5,720 for Tosado, the first Latino candidate for mayor in Springfield history. Watch video

SPRINGFIELD – Supporters of newly re-elected Mayor Domenic Sarno filled his headquarters at the Bicentennial Plaza on Allen Street on Tuesday night, saying they look forward to his victory and a new four-year term.

With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Sarno defeated City Council President Jose Tosado, 14,620 votes to 5,720.

Tosado was the first Latino candidate for mayor in Springfield history.

"I'm happy, happy," said Claire O'Brien, among the supporters. "He is such a good guy. He doesn't just go to one neighborhood. He goes to every neighborhood. He is working 24/7."

William T. Foley of East Forest Park, who served 28 years on the City Council, praised Sarno's hard work as mayor, attending many events and his leadership in response to disasters.

"People need help, Domenic was there," Foley said. "He is the people's mayor. Domenic really cares about the city."

Both O'Brien and Foley praised the new four-year term for mayor, saying it allows a mayor to get more things done without running every two years.

The new term, which begins in January is for four years as was approved by voters in 2009.

Sarno, at various campaign events and debates, touted his leadership in the aftermath of the June 1 tornado that caused heavy damage to several Springfield neighborhoods.

In addition, he announced he was suspending his campaign during the past week during a prolonged power outage and serious damage resulting from a major snowstorm on Oct. 29.

Tosado was critical of Sarno, saying the mayor showed poor leadership in confronting violent crime, failing schools and in the loss of jobs and economic development. He pointed to the city recording 20 homicides thus far this year, one of the highest homicide rates in city history.

Tosado pointed to his strategic plan to improve public safety including a proposal for a new gun squad and gun court to focus more attention on gun-related crimes. He also touted a multi-prong plan to improve economic development in Springfield including a focus on small business needs.

Sarno defended his efforts on crime, touting a task force formed in the past year that includes local, state and federal law enforcement officials that have conducted gang and narcotics sweeps, warrant sweeps and gun sweeps.

He said he has managed Springfield well during severe economic times and reduced state aid.

"I tried to talk about issues and ideas, and I think people responded to that," Narkewicz said amidst a crowd of cheering supporters at City Hall.

NORTHAMPTON - In a vote that seemed to affirm his message of looking to the future, David J.Narkewicz won big over mayoral opponent Michael R. Bardsley Tuesday, becoming the city's first new mayor in 12 years.

While Bardsley painted himself as the outsider who spoke for the disenfranchised, Narkewicz focused on the city's future and kept his message positive. Bardsley painted Narkewicz as Mary Clare Higgins' annointed successor and a candidate who would perpetuate an atmosphere in which a small group of elite insiders ran the city. Narkewicz consistently refused to jump to the bait, however, focusing instead on his own message.

"I tried to talk about issues and ideas, and I think people responded to that," Narkewicz said amidst a crowd of cheering supporters at City Hall. "I think people care about the community, their neighborhoods and having a city thay's livable and affordable."

With the totals coming in 2-1 in favor of Narkewicz, Bardsley conceded within an hour of the 8 p.m. closing time at the polls. He said he hasn't decided what role, if any, he will continue to play in city politics.

"I still think people have legitimate concerns about some issues," he said. "We'll see as we move forward."

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Bardsley and Narkewicz were vying to become the city's first new mayor since 1999, when Mary Clare Higgins began her run of six consecutive terms. Although she left office in September, Higgins remained an issue in the campaign, with Bardsley implying that she effectively handed the job over to Narkewicz, who, as council president, assumed the role of acting mayor upon her departure.

Bardsley also tried to link Narkewicz to Higgins' administration, which he claimed did not listen to some constituencies. Bardsley ran one ad insisting that a mayor should be elected, not selected and another with a blank space under the words: "Vote for Narkewicz. Here's What Changes."

Narkewicz refused to let Bardsley define him, however. As acting mayor, he gained some visibility during the power outage following the October snowstorm, manning the emergency operations center and visiting the shelter set up by the American Red Cross at Smith Vocational High School.

Despite a sometimes acrimonious race, the two men have a lot in common. Both were council presidents who served as mayor in Higgins' absence. Both are progressives who support the Community Preservation Act. The two even co-sponsored an ordinance addressing the need for more public input in decision-making when they served together on the council.

The new library is seen by some as a major piece in the revitalization of South Hadley Falls.

This is a graphic rendering of the proposed new South Hadley Public Library.

SOUTH HADLEY – Voters on Tuesday approved a debt exclusion, or temporary tax hike, to pay for a new public library in South Hadley.

Turnout was huge for this town, as the issue was hotly contested. By 2 p.m., with six hours to go, 1,600 people had voted, about as many as voted all day in the Town Election last spring, according to Town Clerk Carlene Hamlin.

By the end of the day 3,163 had voted on the debt exclusion, with 1,751 residents voting “yes” and 1,412 voting “no.” The results were unofficial, pending certification by the Town Clerk.

However people voted, said officials, it was heartening to see residents get involved. “They’re really coming out,” said Hazel Snopek, Warden to Precinct D, on Tuesday afternoon, “which is great.”

The campaign for a new library reached a high point in July, when it was awarded a provisional grant of $4.8 million by the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program.

Supporters of the project stressed the crowded, uncomfortable conditions of the 104-year-old library at 27 Bardwell St. and the promise of a new building that would not only respond to the needs of readers, but would serve as a common information center and a historical attraction.

Last year the town bought the old Northeast Utilities site on the edge of the Connecticut River, overlooking the falls and the 18th century canal that brought commerce to the Northeast.

Though some opponents objected to the site, supporters were determined to keep the library in the less affluent Falls area of South Hadley. The Master Plan supported the cause, which was seen as a major piece in the revitalization of South Hadley Falls.

“I think this demonstrates that the town understands that investment in our infrastructure is vital to the future prosperity of South Hadley,” said Dr. Mitch Resnick, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the South Hadley Public Library. “It will be a place for everybody in town, and its value will be returned to the community.”

Resnick said the increase in property tax for the average homeowner would be $38 a year, or 16 cents per thousand dollars.

In a special School Committee election for a two-year seat, newcomer Michael D. Tirrell defeated former School Committee and City Councilor John D. Leary Jr.

Kevin Sullivan, left, and Ramon Diaz Jr.

WESTFIELD – Kevin J. Sullivan easily won re-election to a second four-term on the School Committee Tuesday night.

Joining Sullivan for the next four years will be newcomers Ramon Diaz Jr. and Diane M. Mayhew.

Incumbent School Committee members Mary Ann Cleland and Mary Beth Sacco did not seek re-election.

In a special School Committee election for a two-year seat, newcomer Michael D. Tirrell defeated former School Committee and City Councilor John D. Leary Jr. Tirrell will fill the remaining two years of a four-year term vacated in July by Laura K. Maloney.

An election contest for Ward 3 Municipal Light Board was won by Jane C. Wensley who defeated John M. Callahan. Callahan was appointed in March by a joint meeting of the City Council and Municipal Light Board to fill the remaining term of the late William E. Buzzee.

Sullivan could not be reached for comment but during the election campaign he said the School Committee, during the next four years, must create a comprehensive financial plan to keep Westfield's school system running smoothly.

The election was a first for both Diaz and Mayhew and they both said they are humbled by the win.

"I'm exhausted. This was all new to me," said Mayhew. "I am humbled and grateful for the voter support and I look forward to working for our children's benefit," she said.
Diaz also expressed a "thank you" to his supporters and said "I hope to help in providing a quality education for your children for years to come."

Ward 1 City Councilor Christopher Keefe won re-election to third two-year term defeating Kevin Medeiros.

James Adams and Agma Sweeney were elected as the newest members of the Westfield City Council Tuesday.

WESTFIELD - A former City Councilor at-Large and a congressional aide to U.S. Rep. John W. Olver are the newest members of the City Council as a result of Tuesday's city election.

James R. Adams, who decided in 2009 not to seek re-election, was the second highest vote getter Tuesday, gathering 2,377 votes in his return bid.

Agma Maria Sweeney, making her first bid for elective office, received 2,043 in her run for one of seven council-at-large seats.

"I am humbled and honored to be chosen by the citizens of Westfield to serve on the City Council," Sweeney said.

A total of 4,661 voters cast ballots Tuesday in an election that did not feature a contest for mayor. The voter turnout was 19.7 percent. The city has 23,636 registered voters.

Ward 1 City Councilor Christopher Keefe won re-election to third two-year term defeating Kevin P. Medeiros, brother of the late Charles W. Medeiros who had served more than 30 years on the council.

Keefe said "I am thankful for the vote of confidence" and he praised Medeiros for running an issues-based campaign.

Keefe was the only Ward city councilor who faced a challenge Tuesday.

Incumbent at-large councilors re-elected Tuesday Patti A. Andras, Brent B. Bean II, John J. Beltrandi III, David A. Flaherty and Brian P. Sullivan.

"I am excited," said Andras of her win for a second two-year term on the council. "There are a lot of projects that will be finished, and started in the next two years and I welcome the opportunity to be a part of the decision process," she said.

Flaherty said he is looking forward to another two years on the council. He said he will continue to question long-term spending and seek ways to ease the city's future debt.
Beltrandi thanked his supporters, adding "I promise not to disappoint them during the next two years."

Incumbent at-large councilor Gerald E. Tracy failed in his bid for a second term Tuesday and fellow at-large councilor Nicholas Morganelli Jr. did not seek re-election to a second term.

Adams and Dwight, the two veterans, each nearly doubled the totals of the other candidates.

Jesse Adams, left, and Bill Dwight

NORTHAMPTON – Incumbent Jesse M. Adams and former city councilor William H. Dwight lapped the field Tuesday, winning the two at large seats on the City Council by wide margins over Mari-Jon E. Adams-Pullan and Michael E. Janik in a four-way race.

Adams and Dwight, the two veterans, each nearly doubled the totals of the other candidates. Both said they were gratified by the results.

"It's very humbling," said Adams, who won his second consecutive term. "It was a really tough race. I focused on telling people what I've been trying to do the last two years,"

That record included service on a half dozen subcommittees. The youngest of the candidates at 33, Adams also touted his independence and his love for the city where he grew up.

Dwight served four terms as the Ward 4 city councilor before stepping down in 2004 to host a local radio show. Absence from politics made Dwight's heart grow fonder, however, and he ran a vigorous campaign to regain a spot on the council.

"I'm thrilled" he said Tuesday at City Hall as the numbers rolled in. "Running this time was more fun, and it felt more right. I'm looking forward to serving on the City Council again."

Spector supported David J. Narkewicz, who won handily over Michael R. Bardsley for mayor. Coupled with the decisive vote to keep the Community Preservation Act, the night was a victory for optimism, Spector said.

"It says the city wants to look forward," he said. "It has a good feeling about itself."

Although she is not related to Jesse Adams, Adams-Pullan is also a Northampton native. She has served on the Board of Public Works since 2008 and is the executive director of Habitat for Humanity of the Pioneer Valley, an organization that builds affordable homes with volunteer labor.

Janik, making his first run for elective, presented himself as the candidate who is not afraid to question the status quo. He sounded the theme of citizen involvement, saying he would try to get more people involved in the city's budget process. He also questioned some of the city's spending and voiced concerns about the onus placed on taxpayers by the Community Preservation Act.

A decisive majority decided Tuesday that the estimated $79 a year per household is worth it.

NORTHAMPTON – Voters opted by a margin of more than 2-1 to keep the Community Preservation Act in Northampton Tuesday, overriding a wave of anti-tax sentiment.

Northampton voters adopted the act in 2005, giving the city the authority to impose a 3 percent surcharge on property taxes. The money collected through this tax must be used for affordable housing, historic preservation, conservation or recreation. Among the projects that have benefited from Community Preservation money are renovations to Forbes Library and the Academy of Music and the acquisition of the Bean/Allard property, some of which will be used for community gardens and playing fields.

The state matches a portion of the locally raised money, increasing the value of the awards. Proponents noted that the Community Preservation Act paid added dividends because it also helped various projects leverage money from other sources, such as foundations.

In a time of tight money, however, some residents bridled at the added expense and were able to put it to a vote on the ballot. Both mayoral candidates and most of the candidates running for council came out in favor of keeping the Community Preservation Act.

"It's less defeatist and more about prospects and hope," said William H. Dwight, who won one of the two at large city council seats.

Paul D. Spector, the landslide winner in the Ward 2 council race, said the Community Preservation Act vote, coupled with the decisive victory of mayoral candidate David J. Narkewicz, means the city if focusing on the positive instead of the negative.

"It's not, 'Let's look at everything that's wrong,'" he said. "It's 'Let's fix the things that are broken, but the city is not broken.'"

In the race for the two at large seats on the Community Preservation Committee, Mari L. Gottdiener won one decisively while Marlene Ann Morin took the other one by a small margin, beating James E. Durfer and David S. Rothstein.

Morin and Gottdiener expressed concerns during their campaigns about Durfer's candidacy, noting that he has been the Recreation Department's representative on the Community Preservation Committee. If Durfer won one of the at large seats, they argued, the Recreation Department would appoint another representative to fill the vacancy and, in effect, have two advocates on the committee. Durfer dismissed the notion, saying that he would simply represent a wider constituency.

Absence from politics made former City Councilor William Dwight's heart grow fonder, and he ran a vigorous campaign to regain a spot on the council.

This is an updated version of a story posted at 9:22 p.m.

Photo by David Molnar / The RepublicanNorthampton's mayor-elect, David Narkewicz shakes the hand of a supporter as he and his wife Yelena Mikich enters his campaign victory party after defeating Michael Bardsley for mayor in Tuesday's city election.

NORTHAMPTON - Mayor-elect David J. Narkewicz had a winning formula with his campaign slogan of moving forward together, trouncing challenger Michael R. Bardsley in Tuesday's city election.

Coupled with a 2-1 victory for the Community Preservation Act, which voters opted to keep, the night belonged to the optimists, at least in the eyes of the victors. In the four-way race for two at large seats on the City Council, incumbent Jesse Adams and former councilor William H. Dwight ran away from the pack. Ward 2 incumbent Paul D. Spector also retained his seat by a margin of 3-1.

Many felt that Bardsley ran a negative campaign, painted himself as the outsider who spoke for the disenfranchised and Narkewicz as Mary Clare Higgins' annointed sucessor. Bardsley ran one ad insisting that a mayor should be "elected, not selected" and another with a blank space under the words: "Vote for Narkewicz. Here's What Changes."

Narkewicz consistently refused to rise to the bait, however, focusing instead on his own message of looking towards the future.

"I tried to talk about issues and ideas, and I think people responded to that," Narkewicz said amidst a crowd of cheering supporters at City Hall. "I think people care about the community, their neighborhoods and having a city thay's livable and affordable."

With the totals coming in 2-1 in favor of Narkewicz, Bardsley conceded within an hour of the 8 p.m. closing time at the polls. He said he hasn't decided what role, if any, he will continue to play in city politics.

"I still think people have legitimate concerns about some issues," he said. "We.ll see as we move forward."

Bardsley and Narkewicz vied to become the city's first new mayor since 1999, when Mary Clare Higgins began her run of six consecutive terms. Although she left office in September, Higgins remained an issue in the campaign, with Bardsley implying that she effectively handed the job over to Narkewicz, who, as council president, assumed the role of acting mayor upon her departure.

Adams, who won his first term on the council during the last election, ran on his record, which included service on a half dozen subcommittees. The youngest of the candidates at 33, Adams also touted his independence and his love for the city where he grew up.

"It's very humblng," he said of his victory. "It was a really tough race. I focused on telling people what I've been trying to do the last two years,"

Dwight served four terms as the Ward 4 city councilor before stepping down in 2004 to host a local radio show. Absence from politics made Dwight's heart grow fonder, however, and he ran a vigorous campaign to regain a spot on the council.

"I'm thrilled," he said Tuesday at City Hall as the numbers rolled in. "Running this time was more fun, and it felt more right. I'm looking forward to serving on the City Council again."

The only ward race was in Ward 2, where Spector, a four-term incumbent, trounced political newcomer Jacqueline A. Misa. The two never debated, and Misa campaigned by going door-to-door.

Spector supported Narkewicz and favored keeping the Community Preservation Act. He viewed the night as a victory for optimism.

"It says the city wants to look forward," he said. "It has a good feeling about itself."

Northampton voters adopted the Community Preservation Act in 2005, giving the city the authority to impose a 3 percent surcharge on property taxes. The money collected through this tax must be used for affordable housing, historic preservation, conservation or recreation. Among the projects that have benefitted from Community Preservation money are renovations to Forbes Library and the Academy of Music and the acquisition of the Bean/Allard property, some of which will be used for community gardens and playing fields.

In a time of tight money, however, some residents bridled at the added expense and were able to put it to a vote on the ballot. Both mayoral candidates and most of the candidates running for council came out in favor of keeping the Community Preservation Act.

An architect by profession, Neffinger, said he knocked on more than 1,000 doors talking to residents about their concerns and priorities. Watch video

This is an updated version of a story posted at 9:02 p.m.

WEST SPRINGFIELD - Republican Gregory C. Neffinger has become the second mayor in West Springfield's history Tuesday after defeating Gerard B. Matthews in the city elections.

"I'm very excited and I'm so thankful to my supporters," Neffinger said from his victory party at the Majestic Theater, on Elms Sttreet He received 2,938 votes to Matthews 2167 votes.

Neffinger will fill the seat left by Edward J. Gibson, who announced in June that he wouldn't seek a sixth term.

"I am looking forward to working with Mayor Gibson so that we can have a smooth transition," Neffinger said.

Town Clerk Otto Frizzell said about 30 percent of the town's residents came out to vote Tuesday.

"It's a pretty typical turnout for a municipal election," he said.

Frizzell said everything ran smoothly on Tuesday at the four polling locations in town.

"It was a very successful day," he said.

An architect by profession, Neffinger, said he knocked on more than 1,000 doors talking to residents about their concerns and priorities.

Photo by Don Treeger / The RepublicanWest Springfield's new Mayor, Gregory C. Neffinger, is congratulated by challenger, Gerard B. Matthews, at the Majestic Theater Tuesday night, following his election.

"The No. 1 thing I heard was taxes. We pay some of the highest taxes in the area and families are having a hard time," he said.

Supporters gathered at the Majestic Theater to celebrate his election.

"He has the right credentials for this job," said campaign manager Dan Allie.

In other races incumbents Robert M. Mancin, Kathleen A. Bourque, Brian J. Griffin and George R. Kelly retained their seats on the City Council. Bourque was the top vote getter with 2,873 votes.

In the District 3 City Council race George D. Condon III defeated Daniel G. Sullivan with 1,046 votes to Sullivan's 744.

Condon said this was his first attempt at politics.

"I'm thankful to my supporters and hope I can live up to their expectations," he said.

Like Neffinger, Condon said when talking to residents one of their biggest concerns are the high taxes.

"We want to get the best value for our dollar and we certainly need to watch what we spend," he said.

Condon said many residents were also concerned about potholes in the street and the lack of services provided by the Department of Public Works when it comes to trimming and clearing trees.

In the District 4 City Council race John R. Sweeney received 836 votes, defeating Mark D. Bergeron who got 614 votes.

In the School Committee race incumbents Kathleen A. Alevras, Patricia A. Garbacik, Nancy M. Farrell and Joseph Foresi Jr. retained their seats. Newcomer Michelle M. Serafino earned the most votes with 2,872. Newcomer Joey Sutton also secured a School Committee seat, earning 2,405 votes.

In a political blow to GOP Gov. John Kasich, voters handily rejected the law, which would have limited the bargaining abilities of 350,000 unionized public workers.

Associated PressVoters cast their ballots at the Wakeman Township fire station near Wakeman, Ohio Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011. Ohioans are deciding the winner of this year's drawn-out fight over a law limiting collective bargaining for 350,000 unionized public workers. The issue tops the Election Day list of ballot questions before the state's voters. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

By JULIE CARR SMYTH

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The state's new collective bargaining law was defeated Tuesday after an expensive union-backed campaign that pitted firefighters, police officers and teachers against the Republican establishment.

In a political blow to GOP Gov. John Kasich, voters handily rejected the law, which would have limited the bargaining abilities of 350,000 unionized public workers. With more than a quarter of the votes counted late Tuesday, 63 percent of votes were to reject the law.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said victory for unions was achieved among Democrats and Republicans in urban and rural counties.

"Ohio sent a message to every politician out there: Go in and make war on your employees rather than make jobs with your employees, and you do so at your own peril," he said.

Kasich said, "It's clear that the people have spoken." He said he would take a deep breath and contemplate the loss — and how best to move forward.

"In a campaign like this, you give it your best, and if you don't win and the people speak in a loud voice, you pay attention to what they have to say, and you think about it," Kasich said Tuesday night.

Kasich said he has made creating jobs his priority and he's beginning to see his policies work.

But Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern, at a celebration at a downtown Columbus hotel, said Republicans and Kasich overreached on the collective bargaining law.

"He literally thought he knew more than everyone else," Redfern said.

Asked whether the collective bargaining law, called Issue 2, was a referendum on Kasich, Redfern said, "Absolutely. He was the face of the campaign. John Kasich chose to put his face on this campaign for the last eight weeks. The people of the state pushed back."

Labor and business interests poured more than $30 million into the nationally watched campaign, and turnout was high for an off-year election.

The law hadn't taken effect yet. Tuesday's result means the state's current union rules will stand, at least until the GOP-controlled Legislature determines its next move. Republican House Speaker William Batchelder predicted last week that the more palatable elements of the collective bargaining bill — such as higher minimum contributions on worker health insurance and pensions — are likely to be revisited after the dust settles.

Earlier this year, thousands of people swarmed the Statehouse in protest when the bill was being heard. The bill still allowed bargaining on wages, working conditions and some equipment but banned strikes, scrapped binding arbitration and dropped promotions based solely on seniority, among other provisions.

Kasich and fellow supporters promoted the law as a means for local governments to save money and keep workers. Their effort was supported by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business-Ohio, farmers and others.

We Are Ohio, the largely union-funded opponent coalition, painted the issue as a threat to public safety and middle-class workers, spending millions of dollars on TV ads filled with images of firefighters, police officers, teachers and nurses.

Celebrities came out on both sides of the campaign, with former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and singer Pat Boone urging voters to retain the law and former astronaut and U.S. Sen. John Glenn and the Rev. Jesse Jackson urging them to scrap it.

Labor and business interests poured more than $30 million into the nationally watched campaign, with the law's opponents far outspending and outnumbering its defenders.

Opponents reported raising $24 million as of mid-October, compared to about $8 million raised by the committee supporting the law, Building a Better Ohio.

Tuesday's result in the closely divided swing state was expected to resonate from statehouses to the White House ahead of the 2012 presidential election.

Ohio's bill went further than a similar one in Wisconsin by including police officers and firefighters, and it was considered by many observers to be a barometer of the national mood on the political conundrum of the day: What's the appropriate size and role of government, and who should pay for it?

Kasich has vowed not to give up his fight for streamlining government despite the loss.

For opponents of the law, its defeat is anticipated to energize the labor movement, which largely supports Democrats, ahead of President Barack Obama's re-election effort.

Associated Press writers Ann Sanner in Columbus and Lisa Cornwell in Cincinnati contributed to this report.

Morse overcame criticism from Pluta and others that he lacked experience – both life experience, given his age, and municipal government experience – to be considered fit to run a city with a $120 million budget. Watch video

HOLYOKE – Old Holyoke fell to New Holyoke Tuesday.

Voters in this old former paper mill community elected Alex B. Morse the youngest mayor in its history in choosing the 22-year-old to replace Mayor Elaine A. Pluta, a political fixture here for decades.

Morse won 55 percent of the vote to 45 percent for Pluta, 67. Voter turnout was nearly 38 percent.

Also Tuesday, despite choosing a new mayor, voters went with the status quo in terms of form of government, rejecting a ballot question to establish a new city charter.

Voters also chose Gordon P. Alexander as the new Ward 7 councilor over Alan G. Fletcher, a 44-year city police captain who retired last week, and ousted incumbent councilors Patricia C. Devine and Donald R. Welch.

Morse greeted supporters packed into a tent outside his Northampton Street headquarters.

“Holy mackerel!,” said Morse, to cheers inside a tent outside his Northampton Street headquarters.

“This is an incredible moment, not just for this campaign, but for the city of Holyoke. This has never been about me. This has never been about Alex Morse. This has been about the future of Holyoke,” Morse said.

Pluta, 67, is in her first term after having been a city councilor for 14 years.

Pluta conceded to Morse at 8:20 p.m., two years after a victory made her the city’s first woman mayor.

“I’m going to be retiring in January and that will be a good thing so I’m looking forward to it. So think good thoughts and keep up the good work and Holyoke’s going to be fine,” Pluta said.

The election of Morse, who graduated from Brown University in May, means the mayor’s office will be occupied by a foe of casino gambling. Pluta was an early casino backer because she said it was the city’s best shot at a multiple-job infusion.

A state gaming commission is expected to be established to determine locations of three casino resorts, including one in Western Massachusetts.

Pluta had been a supporter, and had received campaign donations from officials with, Paper City Development, a group that wants to build a $500 million casino resort at Wyckoff Country Club.

Despite Morse’s victory, Paper City Development’s Anthony L. Cignoli said the group isn’t discouraged.

“It means that the conversations with the mayor-elect will be even more engaged about how this development has to benefit Holyoke. Often, someone who is opposed to a development like this can be the best spokesperson for the electorate in getting the best deal,” Cignoli said.

Morse handily won Ward 7, where Wyckoff is located and where many residents protested against getting a casino in their area.

Instead, Morse said, the city should focus on its assets. He included among these the $168 million high performance computing center that a partnership of colleges and high-technology firms is building on Bigelow Street at the first-level canal.

Morse overcame criticism from Pluta and others that he lacked experience – both life experience, given his age, and municipal government experience – to be considered fit to run a city with a $120 million budget.

Pluta was believed to have been hurt by a campaign that didn’t take Morse seriously until late in the race. Morse defeated Pluta in the four-candidate preliminary election Sept. 20, by a single vote.

Morse’s win in the preliminary election led Pluta to declare she was in the political fight of her life.

Also, city councilors and others said Pluta was hurt by the legal problems of William P. Moran, the former acting fire chief and a Pluta supporter in her 2009 campaign, when she made history as the first female mayor.

In June, the Hampden District attorney sought a criminal complaint against Moran, who has now retired, because he said Moran sent a fire truck to a fake call to the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside. A clerk magistrate in Springfield District Court has yet to decide on that request.

It was Morse declaring Tuesday that his campaign made history by running a positive campaign based on working to get all residents a good education, a good job and a safe neighborhood in which to live.

“We denied and rejected the politics of the past,” Morse said.

Morse praised Pluta, but returned to a campaign theme that the race was about the city and its residents and not the candidates.

“She served the city well, but this was never about her,” Morse said.

Among those delighted with Morse’s victory were officials with the Holyoke Geriatric Authority. Pluta, along with city councilors and others, had lost patience with the authority for its failure to pay the $2 million debt it owed to various city agencies.

Morse, in contrast, had authority officials’ support and said the answer is to sit down to discuss the financial issues.

Authority board members Joseph T. O’Neill and Steven Kravetz and authority Executive Director Sheryl Y. Quinn were celebrating at Morse headquarters.

The city charter question was aimed at modernizing the 115-year-old city form of government. Changes would have increased the mayor’s term from two years to four, reduced the City Council from 15 members to 11 and established centralized finance and personnel departments.

But critics said that the changes amounted to too much at once and that information packets mailed in advance of the election were difficult to read and understand.

Devine, 60, has been councilor at large since 2005. She was Ward 6 councilor from 1990 to 2000.

The new at large councilor is Daniel B. Bresnahan, former city health director.

Seven of the eight at-large councilors were reelected: Kevin A. Jourdain, Peter R. Tallman, Aaron M. Vega, Joseph M. McGiverin, Brenna E. Murphy, James M. Leahy and Rebecca Lisi.

Welch had been Ward 1 councilor since March 2007. Gladys Lebron-Martinez, currently the Ward 1 School Committee member, defeated Welch and will take over the Ward 1 council seat in January.

The Ward 7 council race was at play because incumbent John J. O’Neill said he wasn’t running for reelection. Alexander ran a campaign in opposition to a casino. Fletcher said he supported the city having a casino.

In Ward 3, incumbent Councilor Anthony M. Keane also is vacating the seat. The new Ward 3 councilor come January will be David K. Bartley, who defeated Richard P. Purcell.

In Ward 4, incumbent Timothy W. Purington also didn’t seek reelection. Jason Ferreira won the Ward 4 seat over Libby Hernandez.

Cohen attributed his victory to running a positive campaign.

This is an updated version of a story posted at 8:54 tonight.

Photo by Don Treeger / The RepublicanAgawam Mayor Richard Cohen celebrates his victory in Tuesday's election with Norma Vachon at the Casa di Lisa restaurant.

AGAWAM – Mayor Richard A. Cohen Tuesday soundly defeated his mayoral rival Rosemary Sandlin, winning all eight of the city’s precincts and beating her by a total of 1,725 votes in the city elections.

“I promise I will serve all of you with pride, integrity and dignity,” Cohen said at the Casa di Lisa restaurant, where about 200 of his supporters gathered after the polls closed at 8 p.m.

The mood was jubilant at the restaurant starting about 8:10 p.m. when results from the first four precincts had already come in with Cohen handily ahead.

Cohen defeated the former state representative 4,905 to 3,180.

The mayor attributed his victory to running a positive campaign, saying he has never seen such “a negative” attack on the community and municipal employees, alluding to Sandlin’s campaign. Cohen, who won a sixth two-year term, said his victory shows that negative campaigning does not work.

Over the course of the campaign, Sandlin had sharply criticized Cohen as overpaying his department heads among other things.

“You all stayed positive and I did, too,” Cohen, 53, said to a crowd of supporters who gave him a standing ovation. “I truly, truly have a passion for the job because I love the people.”

For her part, Sandlin was smiling and gracious in defeat at EB’s Specialty Chicken Restaurant, where her people went after the voting was over.

“I think the voters spoke and I have to accept that,” Sandlin said. “We gave it our all. Obviously, it wasn’t enough. We ran on the issues.”

Asked if there was anything she would have done differently in her campaign, Sandlin replied, “I have no regrets.”

Sandlin, who grew up in Agawam, said she will remain in the community and do what she does best. She described that as volunteering and working with people.

As for any more bids for elective office, the 65-year-old Sandlin said there will be no more in her future.

The competition between Cohen and Sandlin, pitted two formidable politicians with long records of service in the community against each other.

Cohen has racked up 10 years as mayor and they would have been consecutive had he not lost to Sandlin protege Susan R. Dawson four years ago. Dawson’s political star fell after a scandal, making an opening for Cohen to return to the mayor’s office two years ago.

Sandlin has more than two decades service in local politics. She served on the School Committee for 22 years and on the Agawam Housing Authority for 25 years. Sandlin worked for former state Sen. Linda J. Melconian for more than two decades and then went on to serve two terms as the city’s state representative.

She began her campaign arguing that Cohen is doing the job as mayor, but she could do it better. Sandlin went on to knock Cohen, who prides himself on his frugality, as paying “Boston area” salaries to his employees.

Cohen responded by comparing some Agawam salaries to those in West Springfield, which he pointed out is a similar-sized community, but has a budget about $10 million higher.

Cohen played up his administration as business friendly. As examples, he pointed to his initiation of the Agawam Small Business Assistance Center and the more than 20 ribbon-cuttings for small businesses in the last 16 months.

The mayor reminded voters of such bricks and mortar accomplishments of his administration’s as the building of a new Senior Center, library and headquarters for the Department of Public Works

More recently, Cohen and Sandlin locked horns over Sandlin meeting with the city’s Department of Public Works workers. Cohen accused Sandlin of playing “dirty politics” and engaging in “unethical” behavior because if elected mayor she would have to bargain with them.

Agawam’s ballot also had a lively contest for the City Council, with 18 candidates fighting it out for the 11 slots on that board. Winners were incumbents, George Bitzas, James P. Cichetti, Gina M. Letellier, Robert A. Magovern, Joseph Mineo, Dennis J. Perry and Donald M. Rheault and newcomers Cecilia P. Calabrese, Paul C. Cavallo, Christopher C. Johnson and Anthony R. Suffriti.

Election Day was the first day in a week that Mayor Domenic Sarno wore a business suit.

SPRINGFIELD – An unprecedented string of blizzards. Tornadoes. A microburst (what is that?). An earthquake. A freak pre-Halloween nor’easter.

The string of violent and bizarre weather events has played a roll in Springfield’s mayoral race.

Four-term incumbent Mayor Domenic J. Sarno has become entrenched as the city’s denim-clad, five-o’clock-shadow-wearing, populist mayor who has spent the past six months hoofing it through weather-ravaged neighborhoods.

“This is the first time in a week I’ve been in a suit,” said Sarno, 48, on Election Day, adopting his usually dapper, spit-shined persona to ask for votes and thank sign-holding supporters on Tuesday.

He spent the previous week in a darkened city covered in a carpet of debris left behind by the Oct. 29 storm, fielding irate calls from residents and sending equally irate public messages to Western Massachusetts Electric Co. executives scrambling to keep up with the carnage.

The dynamic was a mixed bag, according to opponent and City Council President Jose F. Tosado.

“I ended up at a number of debates alone this week because the mayor suspended his campaign. It was an empty promise because he ended up being on-camera every day,” said Tosado, while making his way through the campaign trail on Tuesday morning.

“I’ve joked that there are three candidates in this race: Mayor Sarno, me and Mother Nature.”

Sarno was warmly greeted by pockets of supporters as he made his way though the city Tuesday morning. And, the storm was still the top priority on everyone’s minds, it seemed.

“I’m still gonna vote for you, but what the city going to do, cut down every tree over 30 feet tall?” one man said outside an East Forest Park polling station.

Another woman outside Rebecca Johnson School in the Mason Square neighborhood said she had long been a Sarno fan, but his performance during the parade of natural disasters through the area sealed her allegiance.

“This guy puts on his boots, puts on his jeans. This man takes care of his community and takes care of his business,” said Shayvonne Jackson, adding that she cast her vote for Sarno.

Presumably, Tosado, 57, was hoping to galvanize the minority (particularly Latino) community in order to overcome Sarno’s popular incumbency.

Tosado supporters wore T-shirts with the slogan “TheTime Has Come” and some supporters at mostly Hispanic precincts, including at Riverview Apartments in the North End, greeted him with “Tu tienes esto.”

“It means ‘You got this,’ he said we’re working for you,” said Tosado, of the man’s message.

Though Tuesday’s weather was seasonably glorious, turnout was light late Tuesday morning – typically bad news for a challenger.

“Maybe it’ll pick up. I need it to pick up,” Tosado said. “I need people coming out and especially people who want to vote for me.”

Incumbent mayors Domenic Sarno in Springfield, Michael Bissonnette in Chicopee, Richard Cohen in Agawam and Michael Tautznik in Easthampton handily fended off challengers while in Holyoke, political newcomer Alex B. Morse, at 22, scored a major upset.

Following a distressing and distracting week of storm-related power outages, voters in seven Western Massachusetts cities turned their attention to politics on Tuesday, heading to the polls to elect mayors.

Four incumbent mayors handily fended off challengers while in Holyoke, political newcomer Alex B. Morse, at 22, one of the youngest mayors ever elected in the Bay State, scored a major upset over one-term Mayor Elaine Pluta, 67.

New mayors were elected in Northampton and West Springfield where incumbents chose not to run for re-election.

In the Holyoke battle, pitting youth against experience, Morse, a May graduate of Brown University, argued that he was the better candidate to spark a new identity for the old industrial city. While Holyoke continues to struggle with urban problems of poverty, high teen birth rates and crime, hopes are high that the construction of a new $168 million high performance computing center along Holyoke’s canals will be the catalyst for rebirth. Morse, who has never held elected office, has his work cut out for him. He will need the support of old Holyoke – including talented City Hall department heads – to help him learn the ropes of governing.

In Springfield, two-term Mayor Domenic J. Sarno turned back a challenge from City Council President Jose Tosado, the city’s first Latino candidate for mayor, to win a newly expanded four-year term. In the last week of the campaign, the race between Sarno and Tosado was overshadowed by the freak nor’easter that left thousands of city residents without power. Sarno opted out of scheduled debates with Tosado, choosing, instead, to deal with the fallout from the storm. Far from being faulted for the move, Sarno – who performed similarly well following the June 1 tornado – demonstrated he is a leader that can roll with adversity.

In Chicopee, incumbent Mayor Michael D. Bissonnette scored a resounding victory over challenger Gary Lefebvre.

In Easthampton, veteran Mayor Michael Tautznik was given the nod for a seventh term, defeating opponent Donald C. Emerson, a retired former police captain. And in Agawam Mayor Richard A. Cohen scored a victory over former state Rep. Rosemary Sandlin.

Northampton’s David J. Narkewicz, scored a win over City Councilor Michael R. Bardsley to become the first new mayor in the city in 12 years. Narkewicz was viewed by many as the hand-picked choice of former Mary Clare Higgins who resigned in September to take a job in human services.

In West Springfield, architect and political newcomer Gregory Neffinger, defeated veteran town Councilor Gerard B. Matthews to succeed Mayor Edward J. Gibson, who held the job for more than a decade.

We congratulate the winners and we wish them well as they prepare to switch from campaign mode to the tough job of governing.

Voter turnout was 22 percent. Watch video

SPRINGFIELD – In typical Domenic J. Sarno fashion, he was in the middle of the crowd at his packed campaign headquarters Tuesday night, shaking hands with everyone he could reach, and pledging to work hard during the next four years.

It was 9:10 p.m., and Sarno was celebrating his re-election victory at his headquarters at the Bicentennial Plaza on Allen Street, after winning by more than 2 to 1 margin over his challenger, City Council President Jose F. Tosado, the first Latino candidate for mayor in city history. The vote was 14,620 to 5,720.

“I am just absolutely overjoyed,” Sarno said upon his arrival. “I promise you I will not let you down. I am so honored and privileged to be your mayor.”

It was an often-contentious election campaign, with Tosado saying that Sarno had not done enough to confront violent crime, failing schools and fleeing jobs. Sarno said he had shown strong leadership in a city recovering from a June 1 tornado and harsh economic times.

Turnout was 22 percent, as compared to 14.7 percent in the preliminary election.

Tosado conceded shortly after 9 p.m., a little less than an hour after the first batch of results came in.

Although supporters cheered loudly when Tosado made his entrance into the hall at the Aquarius on State Street, the mood soon turned as the Sarno landslide became apparent.

“I feel that just because we didn’t get enough votes to win, that doesn’t make us the losing team,” Tosado said. “We knew it would be difficult to unseat an incumbent.”

Sarno urged supporters and opponents to join together to make Springfield a better place.

“Now is the time to come together,” Sarno said.

He said as a candidate, “I always run hungry. I took nothing for granted.”

He said he will back on the job Wednesday, saying his priorities will include combating crime and improving the education system.

Tosado, by running for mayor, did not seek re-election to his council at-large seat.

Sarno had also beaten Tosado by nearly a 3-1 margin in the Sept. 20 preliminary election over Tosado, but Tosado said he was confident he could win with a higher turnout.

The year 2011 has been a very rough year weather-wise in Springfield including the tornado, a microburst and a major snowstorm on Oct. 29.

Sarno joked Tuesday that if the election had not worked out for him, the Weather Channel told him there “was a gig” ready for him there.

“Obviously it benefits the incumbent because as mayor, you have to be out there in front of the cameras telling everyone information.”

Supporters of Sarno said they are looking forward to his new four-year term. approved by voters in 2009.

“I’m happy, happy,” said Claire O’Brien, among the supporters. “He is such a good guy. He doesn’t just go to one neighborhood. He goes to every neighborhood. He is working 24/7.”

William T. Foley of East Forest Park, who served 28 years on the City Council, praised Sarno’s hard work as mayor, attending many events and his leadership in response to disasters.

“People need help, Domenic was there,” Foley said. “He is the people’s mayor. Domenic really cares about the city.”

The mayor’s race in Springfield featured two political veterans: Sarno, a two-term incumbent and past city councilor, and Tosado, who served four terms on the council and two years on the School Committee.

Sarno defended his efforts on crime, touting a task force formed in the past year that includes local, state and federal law enforcement officials that have conducted gang and narcotics sweeps, warrant sweeps and gun sweeps.

In the preliminary election, Sept. 20, Sarno received 60 percent of the vote with Tosado receiving 23 percent. A third candidate, School Committee member Antonette E. Pepe, was eliminated.

Sarno had raised approximately $128,000 in campaign funds, through Oct. 30, according to campaign finance reports filed with the state. Tosado had raised approximately $73,000.

Sarno was first elected mayor in 2007, defeating then incumbent Mayor Charles V. Ryan. He then defeated former council President Bud L. Williams in 2009.

City election officials said there was a pair of monitors from the U.S. Department of Justice traveling together throughout the city to investigate possible civil rights infractions at polling place throughout the city. Their focus was reportedly on largely Spanish-speaking and impoverished precincts in Springfield. Complaints cropped out throughout the day among certain candidates including Tosado and City Councilor Zaida Luna.

Staff writers Patrick Johnson Stephanie Barry contributed to this report.

Former Mayor Konstantina Lukes got 36 percent of the vote, Carmen Carmona secured 11 percent and William Coleman won 8 percent

Associated PressJoe Petty raises his hand at a party on election night Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, in Worcester, Mass. Petty declared victory in a four-way race for mayor of Worcester. His father, Francis J. Petty, is at left, his sister-in-law, Mary Lou A. Petty,of Worcester, is second from left. (AP Photo/The Telegram & Gazette, Betty Jenewin)

WORCESTER — Worcester's longtime city councilor Joseph Petty has declared victory in a four-way race to become the next mayor for Massachusetts' second-largest city.

The Worcester Telegram & Gazette cited incomplete results when reporting that Petty won about 45 percent of the vote Tuesday night to win the race.

Former Mayor Konstantina Lukes got 36 percent of the vote, Carmen Carmona secured 11 percent and William Coleman bagged eight percent in a bid to succeed outgoing Mayor Joseph O'Brien.

O'Brien did not seek re-election, citing family reasons.

Under Worcester's city manager form of government, the mayor chairs the city council and school committee while the city manager serves as the city's chief executive.