Chapin earns most votes for Vail Town Council in unofficial, preliminary results

In unofficial preliminary Vail Town Council election results as of 11 p.m., Tuesday, former Vail Mayor Dave Chapin was the top vote-getter with 779 votes, followed by Reid Phillips with 743, incumbent Jonathan Staufer with 702 and Sam Biszantz with 627.

The top three vote-getters are elected to four-year terms, with the fourth highest vote-getter earning a two-year term.

Here’s the latest update from the Town of Vail:

These are the unofficial preliminary election results as of 11 p.m. 

The 10 Vail Town Council candidates per the ballot order are as follows:

Scott McBride	380
Dave Chapin	779
Jack Bergey	179
Jonathan Josef Staufer	702
Brian Sipes	475
Christine Santucci	571
John B. Rediker	339
Sam Biszantz	627
Dave Tucker	426
Reid Phillips	743

In the county seat of Eagle, Nick Sunday was the top vote-getter for Eagle Town Board with 1,215 votes, followed by Jamie Woodworth Foral at 1,199 votes, and Bryan K. Woods at 1,164 votes, according to preliminary unofficial results from the Eagle County Clerk and Recorder. The top three vote-getters win seats on the Eagle Town Board.

And local school district taxing question 5A was headed to defeat 51.8 to 48.1 percent, while 5B was leading 53.3 to 46.7 percent.

Eagle County Schools Superintendent Phil Qualman on Wednesday issued the following statement to families and staff:

“This general election cycle ECSD put two ballot questions out to vote in our community. Preliminary results show our community voted to support just one of those initiatives. I appreciate their input. I understand that property valuations increased significantly and that during an off-year election we were fighting an uphill battle in voter participation. We felt it important enough to pose the questions because our system needs urgent financial support. While some projects may be delayed in regards to the mill levy override question, having the bond funds will help us provide more affordable housing opportunities for our staff, increase preschool capacity for our community, and address critical facility improvements and repairs across the district. Eagle County is an amazing place to live and Eagle County School District is a terrific place to work. Those two things have not changed, and it is because of the community and connection we all share. ECSD boasts consistent leadership throughout our schools and administrators, as well as a Board of Education that represents us well. Of the four seats that were up for election this year, three board members chose to run for another term and our newest member was an administrator in the district for years. I also want to acknowledge the efforts of the Education Foundation of Eagle County. They worked tirelessly to spread the word about 5A and 5B, and we would be remiss to not acknowledge their hard work. It is another testament to the fabric of our community. Just because preliminary results show 5A falling short, this by no means diminishes the work and effort put forth by our entire organization. So hold your heads high and rest assured that we will continue to work hard at the job at hand.”

Proposition HH, a Democrat-backed property tax relief proposal, appeared headed to defeat in preliminary unofficial results, both in Eagle County (55.7 to 44.2 percent) and statewide. Prop II, boosting universal preschool with tobacco tax money, was headed for victory both in Eagle County and statewide.

“We’re disappointed Proposition HH didn’t pass, but we’re thrilled that Proposition II will put people ahead of tobacco companies,” Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party Shad Murib wrote in a statement.

“The next frontier of Colorado politics is local and we’re excited about the pending results in Woodland Park, Douglas County, Jefferson County, Lakewood, Adams12, and more,” Murib added. “Coloradans are rejecting MAGA far-right extremists who put their politics ahead of our kids and cities.

“While many votes are still being counted, I want to thank election officials for their tireless work. Colorado leads the nation in safe and secure elections — we look forward to building on local victories in 2024.”

Gov. Jared Polis issued the following statement on Prop II passing:

“This year, we saw historic demand from Colorado families for free universal preschool. Coloradans value early childhood education and I am thrilled people voted in favor of providing more funding for our free universal preschool program that is saving families money, and this voter-approved measure will help fund more preschool for kids. Thank you to all voters who made their voices heard, and thank you for continuing Colorado’s clear history of supporting early education,” Polis said.