Republican Amy Praught, a former Common Council member, is on the verge of becoming the second woman to win a mayoral election in the city of Johnstown.

Praught, 52, led Democrat Michael Rose by 1,032 to 194 in unofficial results released Tuesday night by the Fulton County’s electoral committee.

Praught is a well-known figure in town for having represented the 3rd ward on the Joint Council. She has a good relationship with the Common Council members and with the city employees.

“Voters chose me because I have a clear plan and initiative to improve the city of Johnstown,” Praught said by phone on Tuesday. “I have a relationship with people who work in the city. They feel so comfortable with me that they know that we can work together and get things done. ”

Rose, who tried to give the city government an outsider perspective, failed to respond to multiple calls Tuesday asking for comment. During the campaign he said “The nepotism will stop. Goodbye, done. “

On their platform, Praught emphasized financial transparency, including auditing the city’s accounting software update, which is especially relevant considering that city officials are excluded from the city’s current IT system as all passwords are tied to the former treasurer who left in late September.

Praught promised to end the power struggles that have stalled the city in the past. She also focuses on fighting the rot in Johnstown.

“Now is the time for business,” said Praught. “Let’s move on. Let’s make changes.”

Praught said she would start attending a budget workshop scheduled for Wednesday at 6 a.m., albeit in an unofficial capacity

Fulton County’s Board of Elections Democratic Commissioner G. Jeremiah Ryan said 24 percent of Fulton County’s registered voters turned up, with 8,442 county-wide votes, including 514 early votes. About 600 postal ballot papers will be counted a week after the election to allow shipping, Ryan said. He said specific sums for Johnstown wouldn’t be available until Wednesday.

The election of a well-known Republican candidate against a lesser-known Democrat in a conservative city came as no surprise. According to data from the Fulton County Electoral Committee, the city has 1,212 enrolled Democrats, 2,412 Republicans, 78 Conservatives, 19 Working Family Party members, and 1,060 unaffiliated voters.

Voters said they valued Praught’s background and experience, which includes 18 years as vice president of City National Bank.

Bonnie Boyle, who runs a neurology practice, said she likes Praught’s determination.

“I think she’s an absolute daredevil,” said Boyle. “I think, if [Praught] supports you or believes in what you fight for, there is nothing that can stop Amy. ”

Ron Vanskiver, a retired communications professional, said he respected Praught’s intelligence.

“I like their level-headedness. When she was on [Common] Advice she asked the right questions without being grumpy, ”he said.

Thomas Armstrong, 30, a private attorney, said he wanted a mayor to handle tangible matters, such as making sure the city’s water is working properly, that city repairs are being completed, and that money is being spent responsibly.

“I’m looking for action and specific goals,” said Armstrong.

Praught promises voters that she will become that kind of mayor.

“I’m motivated to get into position and make things happen,” she said.

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