Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter claims victory after winning a special recall election that ousted Fall River Mayor William Flanagan. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News
By Steve Klamkin WPRO News
Voters in Fall River ousted incumbent Mayor William Flanagan Tuesday in a special recall election, choosing Bristol County District Attorney Samuel Sutter as the next mayor.
The Fall River Board of Elections issued an unofficial tally that showed 69.48% voted for the recall of Mayor Flanagan, 30.52% voted against. Some 16,557 people cast ballots.
Sutter topped a field of eight candidates, gathering 6,021 votes, or 36.77%. Flanagan was next with 4,393 votes, or 26.83%.
Flanagan conceded defeat in a short speech to a few supporters gathered in a Fall River restaurant.
“I want to congratulate Sam Sutter, who was elected Mayor of the City of Fall River.” “With that said, I am proud of the campaign we have run,” Flanagan said.
Blocks away at another restaurant, Sutter acknowledged his victory.
“Thank you Fall River,” Sutter said. “Thank you for believing in me as the person to lead the change back towards open and honest government, effective government, and great progress in all the areas of city life,” he said to the cheers of his supporters.
The tally is expected to be finalized in about ten days, after which Flanagan must vacate the mayor’s office, and Sutter will be sworn in to serve out the remainder of Flanagan’s term, which ends in early 2016. A regular election is scheduled next November.
Sutter is leading the high-profile prosecution of former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez, who is charged with, and has denied the June, 2013 murder of semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd in North Attleboro.
Sutter praised the prosecutors in the Hernandez case, which is scheduled to begin with jury selection January 9.
Supporters of the successful drive to recall Fall River Mayor William Flanagan rally across the street from Government Center as the polls close in Fall River. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News.
