Roger Gaylord, the 3-time challenger for a seat on Folsom’s City Council, has finally been declared the winner in the 2016 election.
Using the slogan, ‘The Fresh Face for City Council’, Gaylord did what no other candidate seemed able to do, defeat an incumbent in Folsom’s election.
On November 9, the day after the election, early results showed Gaylord trailing Ernie Sheldon and Jeff Starsky by more than 600 votes. With each weekly update, however, he gained ground, overtaking Starsky for second place last week, and tonight, declared it was over, with a nearly 600 vote lead and all precincts counted.
Gaylord had failed to win a seat in the previous 2 election cycles, but was not going to give up. At times targeting the Folsom Chamber of Commerce, and real estate developers, claiming they were responsible for keeping the incumbents in power despite dissatisfaction from many voters, Gaylord toned down his rhetoric this time around.
He cited the importance of government transparency and communications, listening to citizens, and smart growth.
His message resonated with voters, and buoyed by the support and momentum gained from his Facebook page, as well as discussions on Facebooks’ ‘Folsom Chat’, Gaylord developed an army of volunteers, many of whom donated to his campaign, planted signs all over town, and spread his message.
Security Consultant raised in Folsom, he will replace Jeff Starsky, a corporate attorney and City Council member for 16 years. Starsky has been credited with helping bring more businesses to Folsom and for keeping city services operating during the recession, but has sometimes ruffled feathers with his direct demeanor.
Roger Gaylord will be sworn in as a member of the Folsom City Council at the Council meeting, Tuesday December 13, at 630pm.