POTTSVILLE, Pa. — It's a lively scene here at Roma in Pottsville as Republican city council member Dave Clews has defeated incumbent Mayor Jim Muldowney.
A night that began with Clews saying he was cautiously optimistic yielded a victory.
Clews was overcome with emotion tonight after hearing the official word he'd been elected mayor, receiving the call from Mayor Muldowney conceding the race.
He received congratulations from some supporters on hand at Roma. Clews is the owner of 12 volt Dave's Audio, a car audio shop here in Pottsville. He's a lifelong Pottsville resident who tells me he's excited to have the opportunity to help his city.
"I'm hoping to bring a new energy, a new belief in my town. I'm born and raised here. I believe I bring a business aspect to it as opposed to playing the political side of things, putting the right people in the right places, and making for the progressive future that I've seen in my hometown," he said.
Clews told us he's proud, excited, and overwhelmed by the results, and he can't wait to serve his hometown.
Original story:
James Muldowney, the Democrat, is seeking a third term as Mayor of Pottsville. Muldowney graduated from Nativity BVM High School and Mansfield University. He is the general manager of Victory E. Muncy, Inc., a company supplying doors and hardware to schools and hospitals. Muldowney was elected to three terms on Pottsville City Council before being elected mayor in 2013. He was re-elected in 2017. Muldowney says the city is "on a trajectory upward…even in challenging times."
Dave Clews is the Republican challenger. He is a lifelong resident of Pottsville and owns 12 Volt Dave's Audio, an automobile audio shop. Clews was elected to the city council in 2019. Clews tells the Republican-Herald that, as mayor, he would "work to balance budgets and get the right people for the right jobs, regardless of politics or family ties.
ELECTION RESULTS: Get the latest updates on the 2021 Pennsylvania municipal election here.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline.