By Dawn Krebs
dkrebs@hometownnewsol.com
PORT ST. LUCIE - With two city council races on the ballot on Nov. 6, Port St. Lucie voters re-elected Michelle Berger over Larry Cohen for District 2, and chose Ron Bowen over Robert Bluestone for District 4.
In the District 2 race, Ms. Berger received 39,218 votes or 61.17 percent, to Mr. Cohen's 24,898 votes, or 38.83 percent.
This will be Ms. Berger's third term as city councilwoman.
"I want to thank all my supporters," she said. "We had some grassroots efforts, and I appreciate everyone's hard work."
Mr. Cohen also thanked everyone for their support and encouragement.
"We fought a good fight," Mr. Cohen said. "I think we did the best we could."
In the District 4 race, Mr. Bowen received 32,204 votes, or 52.38 percent to Mr. Bluestone's 29,277 votes, or 47.62 percent.
The two gentlemen faced each other after an August primary led to a recount between Mr. Bluestone and a third candidate, Jolien Caraballo.
Also, Mr. Bowen, the top vote-getter in August, did not receive more than 50 percent of the vote, so the race moved on to the November ballot.
Mr. Bowen served previously on the city council from 1992 to 2000.
"It's an honor and a privilege to return to the city council and serve the public," Mr. Bowen said. "I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work. Thanks to all the people who came out to vote."
Mr. Bluestone was thankful as well.
"I want to thank all my friends and neighbors, and the voters who supported me," Mr. Bluestone said. "It was a very rewarding experience."