Tarter Surprised at Election Outcome

David Tarter wasn’t expecting to come out the top vote getter in the fight for three Falls Church council seats Tuesday.

However, 1,293 votes later, the first time council candidate had received more votes than any of the seven candidates including incumbents Nader Baroukh (1,189) and Lawrence Webb (672).

“It was exciting and I was pleasantly surprised,” Tarter said. “I hadn’t anticipated being the top vote getter.”

Phil Duncan, Tarter and Baroukh won the three open seats on council. Baroukh and Webb’s terms were up and Councilwoman Robin Gardner is retiring from her seat. Webb served one term on council and Baroukh, sitting mayor of the city, has been a member of council since 2008.

Joan Wodiska will enter her third term on the Falls Church City Public School Board after receiving 1,470 votes. Kieran Sharpe will rejoin Wodiska on the board after receiving a school board election high 1,479. Justin Castillo (1,475 votes) was also elected to the school board and Charlotte Hyland was elected special school board member with 1,543 votes.

Council and school board elects will start their terms July 1.

Instead of hosting an elaborate celebration Tuesday night, Tarter took his children out to eat. He said each of his children helped along the campaign trail, going with him as he went door-to-door meeting Falls Church residents. A family celebration is on the horizon but Tarter is ready to get to work.

“I’d like to increase our commercial tax revenue,” Tarter said.

Over the last four years, Tarter has chaired the Falls Church Economic Development Authority and has acted as Falls Church Interim City Attorney. He is also a member of the Falls Church Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Traffic Calming Committee.

Duncan said Tarter worked hard on the campaign trail often visiting homes after his competition.

Unlike Tarter, Duncan celebrated with friends, family and city officials at a local restaurant. He said he feels bad for the candidates who didn’t win because of the effort they put into the race.

“I’m very grateful for all the people I’ve worked with throughout the city over the years,” Duncan said. “I feel bad for the people who loose because I know they worked hard.”

Here are the numbers from the council race:

Candidate

Votes

David Tarter

1,293

Nader Baroukh

1,189

Phil Duncan

1,047

John Lawrence

732

Lawrence Webb

672

William Henneberg

652

Paul Handly

514

Write-ins

28

Total Votes

6,127