Booros, Patterson win Milton election
John Booros and Kristin Patterson won by an overwhelming margin in the Milton election March 3.
Booros, who vowed to support open government and monitor spending, received votes from 260 of the 299 residents who voted in the election, or nearly 87 percent of votes.
“It didn't surprise me because of the people who had come to me and asked me to run,” he said. “It's got to send a message that the people aren't quite happy with the way things are going.”
Patterson wasn't too far behind with 230 votes, while fellow newcomer Gwendolyn Jones finished with only 45 votes. This year's election featured three newcomers, as current councilwomen Deanna Duby and Mary Hudson each opted to step down.
Patterson is the business manager at Ocean Medical Imaging on Federal Street. Becoming more involved with town government after moving to Milton full time in 2009, she said she felt it was time to throw her hat in the ring for town council.
“I'm just looking forward to being on council and really digging into the issues,” said Patterson, surrounded by her three young children, husband, family and friends. “Being on the other side of the table, I'll have a better index of what the needs are and how I can work with Milton and really make the town all it can be.”
Like Booros, Patterson campaigned on more transparent government and sharing information with the public. She also aims to attract more businesses, residents and visitors to town by making it easier to obtain business licenses and increasing the town's visibility through signage.
Booros, whose children and grandchildren were on hand to witness his big win, said he wants to cut the town's spending. After working in procurement with the federal government for many years, he said he believes he can help the budget process go smoother next year.
“I've been told [I'm] angry, but I'm not angry. I just get passionate about things, and you realize [council] isn't listening; they're dismissive,” he said. “Hopefully they'll listen to the people, the 260 voters.”
Booros and Patterson will be sworn in prior to the April town council regular meeting.
