Published: November 05, 2008 11:13 pm      

Top vote getter eager to begin city council term

Grim, Pirolozzi to be sworn in Jan. 5

CUMBERLAND — It was a surprise for Brian Grim as he found himself leader of the pack for one of the two City Council seats on Tuesday’s ballot.

“I was kind of surprised but very happy and quite excited,” Grim said Wednesday. “I’ve worked extremely hard on this election and am really thankful for the voters of Cumberland for giving me this opportunity and the volunteers, friends and family that helped me through this process.”

Grim and Mary Beth Pirolozzi were the two top vote-getters in Tuesday’s general election. Grim received 4,552 votes (38.65 percent) and Pirolozzi came in second with 4,230 votes (35.92 percent). David Kauffman rounded out the field with 2,995 votes (25.43 percent). The results are complete but won’t be official until they are canvassed on Nov. 14.

Grim said he is looking forward to the opportunity of serving on the council and making Cumberland a better place. He will be preparing to take his seat in January by continuing to go to the City Council meetings, the different community events and attending neighborhood meetings.

“I have always volunteered and been active in the community,” Grim said. “I will continue to do what I’ve been doing and remain as active as possible. I will also talk to the mayor and council about anything I need to know come Jan. 5.”

Pirolozzi is also thankful for the support and strong voter turnout. However, this victory is a little bittersweet for the councilwoman due to the passing of her friend and campaign manager, Tom O’Rourke.

“I miss his sage advice and I really missed him last night,” she said. “At the primary he was here right up to the bitter end.”

When Pirolozzi asked O’Rourke to be her campaign manager, she said even after knowing her for 30 years or so, he still sat her down and interviewed her to see what her thoughts and ideas were to why she wanted to pursue a position in public service. Once he took the job, he continually gave Pirolozzi one piece of advice that she will keep close to her, “Keep your eye on the ball. You’re elected to serve the citizens and you must lead with integrity.”

And though his passing in June is still fresh in Pirolozzi’s heart and mind, she is looking toward the future.

“I have enjoyed working with the mayor and council,” the incumbent councilwoman said. “Planning is going to be very, very important for our future.”

Kauffman, who was unable to secure one of the City Council seats, said he will need to evaluate the viability of any future elected position at a later date.

The City Council is nonpartisan. City officials will be sworn in Jan. 5.

Contact Tess Hill at thill@times-news.com.