Nov. 5. By Dave Vieser. All four incumbent Cornelius commissioners who sought re-election — Michael Osborne, Susan Johnson, Todd Sansbury and Robert Carney — have been re-elected. Planning Board member Colin Furcht also won a seat on the Town Board.

The new Town Board will take office in December along with newly elected Mayor Denis Bilodeau.

Osborne

Osborne, the top vote-getter with 4,999 votes, will serve as mayor pro tem and said the platform that got the majority of the board elected four years ago still resonates today: protecting quality of life.

“That’s why I ran again and that’s what I care most about,” he said. “What I’m most excited about — and with this board it’s a priority — is I think we can take it to the next level and actually build on our quality of life. I think we have some opportunities that will be transformational for our town.”

Sansbury

That platform was echoed by all of the election winners, including finding solutions to traffic issues, preserving green space and ensuring controlled development.

Sansbury, who finished in the middle of the pack among the election winners, thanked voters for their trust.

“This group of commissioners will continue to listen to citizens and put their interests first above all else,” he said. “Citizens can and should continue to shape the direction of this beautiful town.”

Furcht

Furcht filled the seat vacated by commissioner Scott Higgins, and turned his attention to roads and the successful sales tax referendum.

“We need to use that money wisely to help address congestion and find ways to enhance existing roadways,” he said. “We have a lot to do, but this team is up to the task.”

Johnson, the second-leading vote-getter in the commissioner race, also cited the strong relationship of the new board.

Johnson

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with this board over the last two years,” she said. “Each of us brings a unique perspective, and collectively we are able to make good decisions for the town. I am looking forward to the next two years.”

Voters turned out in large numbers this election. In total, 7,265 votes were cast — up from 5,521 two years ago and 3,873 four years ago.

“It was apparent to all of us that our residents had a high level of engagement and had done a huge amount of research for this election,” said Carney, the youngest member of the group with two young children in CMS schools.

Carney

“They came to the polls ready, and they knew what they wanted to vote for,” he said. “To see them turn out in these numbers is incredible, and it speaks to our citizens stepping up and taking action.”

Additional reporting by Jon Show

Election results (unofficial, will be certified Nov. 14)