Dolan Wins Fifth District

RICHMOND HEIGHTS — Democrat Pat Dolan said support from the bottom up allowed him to win the Fifth District seat for St. Louis County Council on Tuesday.

"The grassroots effort is what paid off," said Dolan, after he had announced the victory to a crowd that responded with a shout. He thanked his family and friends for their backing and also thanked his opponent, Randy Jotte (R-Webster Groves), for running a race devoid of negative campaigning.

Dolan, a Richmond Heights native who once served on that city's council, captured the county seat with 53 percent of the vote ahead of Jotte's 47 percent. He said his first priority as a councilman will be a focus on jobs.

Dolan has been campaigning for the position since February. His four-year term will begin in January.

The seven-member council serves as the county's legislative arm. It helps determine compensation for some county employees, allocates money to pay the county's expenses, develops a yearly budget, sets fees for county licenses and permits and has the power to call elections, among other duties outlined in a document on the county council's website. Council members receive an annual salary of $11,000.

About 40 family members, friends and supporters were in attendance Tuesday night when Dolan announced his victory. His election watch party happened at in Richmond Heights.

His brother, Jim Dolan, described him as an "Irish Catholic with a big heart, concerned with people." He said his brother would try to take advantage of available funding to modernize county buildings and press for transparent government.

Terri Williams, who opposed Pat Dolan in the August primary, attended Tuesday's party and said she supports Dolan. Williams said the campaign between Dolan and Jotte has been positive, despite a midterm election climate filled with negative ads.

"Everything's been very civil, very respectful," she said.

John Renz of Oakville is Dolan's brother-in-law. He described Dolan as a normal guy who "kind of represents us."

"He's grounded, just an absolutely outstanding guy," Renz said. He said Dolan has experienced the effect of the down economy and that those experiences will help him be an effective councilman.

Joan Dolan, Pat Dolan's mother, said before the announcement that she was nervous for her son. She said she worries about his health with the effort that he has put into the campaign, but she said he seems to enjoy it.

"He's worked hard and he's put on a good campaign, win or lose," Joan Dolan said.

Pat Kilker said he went to high school with Pat Dolan and said his friend put his heart and soul into the race.

"He's a genuine, hardworking guy," Kilker said.

Jotte's election party at Weber's Front Row grew quiet after the final results were tallied. Standing in front of 20 supporters in the Webster Groves restaurant, Jotte said very little. Instead of a concession speech, Jotte simply offered his thanks to his supporters.

Jotte said he wasn't sure what his future plans were at this point. He said he was going to go home and then think about what's next.

"No plans beyond that," Jotte said. "I haven't thought beyond this race."