By Katy Savage
RUTLAND—After losing a Rutland County Senate seat by five votes in the Republican primary election Aug. 14, candidate Terry Williams has asked for a recount.
Williams, 66, of Poultney, filed his request for recount with the Rutland County clerk on Monday, Aug. 20.
Williams, who is a member of the Poultney Select Board, said he was surprised he didn’t win in the primary election.
“I wanted to give back to my state and I thought this would be a good way to do it,” he said.
Williams was one of five Republicans who ran for the Rutland County senate seat, which is made up of three senators. Williams received 2,044 votes of the total 16,569, just short of Edward Larson, who received 2,049 votes.
Larson, a retired police officer of 28 years, didn’t respond to phone calls or emails prior to publication.
Incumbent Brian Collamore received 3,504 votes, followed by James McNeil, who received 2,811 votes.
Incumbent David Soucy was ousted with 1,661 votes.
Soucy was formerly the general manager and head golf professional at Green Mountain National Golf Course. He’s lived in Killington for the past 13 years.
“I’m more than disappointed that I didn’t get elected,” said Soucy.
Soucy was appointed to the senate seat by Gov. Phil Scott in June 2017 to fill a term vacated by Republican Kevin Mullin, who was appointed chair of the Green Mountain Care Board.
Soucy said he likely lost the primary due to name recognition.
“If you’re not a local out of Rutland City or Rutland Town, it’s difficult to get elected,” Soucy said.
Soucy’s vote was also a surprise to Sen. Collamore, who will start his third term as senator, pending the recount results.
“I’m at a loss to explain what happened,” said Collamore of Soucy’s results. “The voters may not have been as familiar with David’s name—that’s the key in the county races.”
Soucy used to be a guardian ad litem for physically and sexually abused children in Maine. He said he may try to be a guardian ad litem in Vermont with his extra time.
Meanwhile, the recount request will be completed once a date is set.
Rutland County Clerk and Treasurer Ron Graves has to notify all candidates that there is a recount, he said. He then needs to find people to assist in the recount.
“Technically it’s not over yet,” said Collamore. “Overall, I was pleased with my result.”
If the recount doesn’t result in a change, Collamore would serve with McNeil and Larson, who is has been an Alderman in Rutland, serving four terms.