Big changes in North Branford arrived with Election Day results putting Democrats back on top as the majority Town Council party; but Republican Mike Doody claimed victory as the top elected official by seven votes over Democrat Joseph Faughnan. Doody earns the title of Mayor and Faughnan that of Deputy Mayor.

But in developing news today, the new council Democratic majority of five members could be challenged, if an automatically triggered recount is not called off by the GOP candidate who lost her bid for the ninth council seat by five votes last night.

North Branford Town Clerk Lisa Valenti said state statutes obligate the Office of the Registrar to recount votes in cases where there is a  margin of less than 20 votes between ninth and tenth place Town Council winners.  Late last night, Valenti notified Republican candidate Shawna Papa-Holzer that she had lost the ninth council seat by just five votes. As of this morning, Valenti said she was awaiting a response from Papa-Holzer. Papa-Holzer would need to submit a formal written notice today declining participation in a run-off.

"We reached out to her last night and told her it's her right," said Valenti. "The recount is triggered automicatlly unless she brings in a letter today."

Democrat Chris Manna is currently in the ninth seat with 1160 votes. Pappa-Holzer received 1155.

Should Pappa-Holzer win a recount, the Republicans would retain the Town Council majority rather than yielding it to the Democrats. Zip06 reached out to Republican Town Committte chairman John Landolfi for news of Papa-Holzer's decision and is awaiting a response. This story will be updated as it develops.

Based on election results, the current make-up of the new Town Council includes: Democrats Faughnan, Marie Diamond, Daniel Armin, George Miller and Chris Manna and Republicans Mike Doody, Rose Marie Angeloni, Al Rose and former Mayor Anthony Candelora.