The Sun
Sunnyvale's Newspaper

Council candidate Michael Szymanski

Szymanski considers calling for a recount

Council candidate resigns his spot on the Planning Commission

By Natasha Collins

Although the election is over, City Council candidate Michael Szymanski may continue his campaign for a place on the dais.

Szymanski--who recently resigned from his Planning Commission post--notified the city last week of his intent to ask for a recount, but whether one will take place had not been decided at press time. To cover the cost of a recount, the candidate would have to pay $1,820 for set-up fees and one day's worth of the county election board's time. For each additional day, a fee of $700 would be applied.

Despite the possible recount, city clerk Carol Butler said the county has certified the Nov. 4 election and that Szymanski's opponent, Julia Miller, would take her place on the council as scheduled. Miller, who was sworn in at a Nov. 18 ceremony, received 700 votes more than Szymanski.

"We have never done a recount in Sunnyvale as far as I know," Butler said. "Seven hundred votes is a lot to ask a recount for."

Szymanski said he lost the election because of articles that ran in The Sun and a "smear campaign" that was orchestrated by Miller.

He also accused The Sun of allowing Miller to "plant" hit pieces in its letters to the editor section. Letters opposing the candidate did appear in The Sun, as well as an endorsement for Szymanski from Councilman Jack Walker.

Miller insisted that she "ran a clean and fair campaign."

Szymanski resigned from his position on the Planning Commission the day after the election on Nov. 5. He gave no explanation for his leaving and would not comment on his stepping down.

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This article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun, November 26, 1997.
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