By By JAN GRIFFEY / Niles Daily Star
NILES - The margin of victory was slim, but it was victory nonetheless for Niles' Scott Clark, who won a third term in office on Tuesday, representing the city's Fourth Ward.
Clark's was the only council seat contested. The First Ward's Patricia Gallagher, Second Ward's Robert Durm and Third Ward's Bill Weimer faced no opposition.
Clark won his seat 214 votes to challenger Bob Burch's 207.
Burch said this morning he plans to ask for a recount of the votes.
Burch is a journeyman ironworker who works at the Cook Nuclear Plant in Bridgman.
Niles City Clerk Ruth Harte said Burch has six days after the county completes its canvass of the election to ask Berrien County Clerk Louise Stine for a recount.
However, Harte said it is “very, very, very unlikely” a recount would change the outcome of the race.
Clark said he is happy with his victory and congratulated Burch on a good effort.
Clark campaigned too, between three and four hours each day, but the effects of diabetes on his ability to walk long distances hampered that effort.
Clark said he also got lots of help from a number of supporters who made phone calls on his behalf.
Clark also applauded the interest of Burch in city government and urged him to continue.
Burch thanked his supporters.
Clark said he's looking forward to continuing work under way in the city.