Davitt finishes ahead

City Council candidate Michael Davitt edged out local businessman Charlie Kamar for the third of three open City Council seats on Friday during a final count of provisional and vote-by-mail ballots cast on Election Day.

Mayor Donald Voss and Councilwoman Laura Olhasso — the race’s top two finishers — will retain their seats.

Going into Friday’s count of the 346 leftover ballots, Davitt led Kamar by 132 votes — 1,926 to 1,794, respectively.

They finished the race today 118 votes apart: Davitt with 2,095 and Kamar at 1,977.

Though clearly disappointed by the results, Kamar said he was pleased with his campaign.

“I’m happy that I won a lot of people’s hearts in La Cañada. I’m proud of that. Thank you to all of the people who supported me and voted for me,” Kamar said.

Voss, who also watched the leftover ballot count at City Hall, urged Kamar to remain involved in civic affairs.

“He ran a good race,” said Voss, “and I respect that.”

Davitt did not attend the vote count but was represented by campaign chair Chuck Gelhaar.

“We’re pretty relieved,” said Gelhaar. “Until those last ballots are counted, you never know.

There are 14,166 registered voters in La Cañada Flintridge. With 4,246 ballots cast in the election, voter turnout came in at slightly more than 30%.

Olhasso finished with 2,645 votes (23.69%), and Voss received 2,207 (19.77%).

Davitt received 18.77% of votes cast. Kamar received 17.71%

Attorney James Hill came in fifth with 828 votes (7.42%), followed by retired scientist Robert Richter with 794 (7.11%) and registered nurse Jacqueline Harris with 618 (5.54%).

Election results will be certified during a City Council meeting on March 21.