Sanfilippo claims Dem nomination in Erie city controller's race
According to unofficial vote totals from the Erie County Courthouse, Sanfilippo, a 46-year-old pension and 401(k) administration manager, garnered 3,795 votes, or 39.03%, ahead of two current members of Erie City Council, Ed Brzezinski (3,250 votes) and Chuck Nelson (2,654 votes).
Erie elections: Four controller candidates state why you should vote for them
Current City Controller Teresa Stankiewicz, a Democrat, is prohibited from running again because of the city's limit of three consecutive terms.
The city controller currently earns $38,000 annually. However, City Council in September approved a 97% yearly salary boost for the controller's post, increasing that salary to $75,000 a year.
The city's controller watches over various aspects of city finances, including contracts, purchase orders and pension funds. The controller is also tasked with verifying/auditing city records and accounts.
Replay: Coverage of the Erie County municipal primary on May 20
"City council voted to make the salary higher so they could attract a more qualified candidate. I think I am that candidate," Sanfilippo said.
"We worked hard on this campaign. We've been in every neighborhood in Erie (campaigning) and I feel that we really succeeded tonight."
Contact Kevin Flowers at kflowers@timesnews.com. Follow him on X at @ETNflowers.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Sanfilippo, Strupczewski score wins in Erie controller's race
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