May 17, 2007 By Amanda Clegg 2 min read

CALIFORNIA – Newcomers edged out the competition Tuesday as voters chose a sister duo over two current councilmen for the Democratic party nomination. Shelly Roberts and Shelia Chambers received 389 and 372 votes respectively, while Councilman John N. Mariscotti took the third available nomination with 332 votes.

Councilman Patsy Alfano received 303 votes along with five write-ins on the Republican ticket, Councilman Jim Maddiex received 169 votes and former Councilwoman Amelia V. Gajan-Mitchell received 173 votes. Gajan-Mitchell sat on council two years prior.

Chambers received 28 write-ins on the Republican side, while Roberts snagged 26 write-ins for the Republican side.

Roberts spent the day following the election taking down campaign signs with her sister.

“I was not a bit nervous, not a bit concerned,” Roberts laughed. “When you run for office you want to be confident. I was prepared for either to happen. I just wanted to enjoy the day.”

Chambers added that they were both “humbled” and “stunned” at their victory. They stayed awake until the wee hours waiting for votes to pour in.

But neither sister wants to waste time.

“We do have ideas,” Chambers noted. “We’ll start the groundwork for projects we have in mind.”

As for the duo going into office together, Roberts explained that working together would be good.

“We both have the same goal in mind – we want our town to be Mayberry.”

Although ready for hard work, the sisters also want have some fun.

“We’re excited about the whole thing,” Chambers noted.