Recount expected in Hurley mayoral, county board races

By RICHARD JENKINS

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Hurley — Given the tight results in some of Iron County’s elections Tuesday night, it’s perhaps not surprising the losing candidates in two Hurley races are planning to request recounts.

Paul Mullard defeated incumbent Joe Pinardi 185 votes to 184 in the city’s race for mayor, while Jay Aijala defeated Mullard’s re-election campaign 62 to 58 to represent Hurley’s District 1 on the Iron County Board of Supervisors.

While no official papers requesting a recount have been filed yet, Pinardi told the Daily Globe Wednesday he planned to ask for one.

“There almost has to be a recount, there’s (one) vote separating it,” Pinardi said.

While the paper ballots were counted repeatedly Tuesday night, Pinardi said a recount would also check the counts for the electronic voting machines to make sure there weren’t any issues with those totals either.

Mullard also told the Daily Globe he plans to request a recount in the county board race.

“I’m filling out the paperwork right now,” he said.

Hurley completed its canvass Tuesday night, according to Kathy Osterman with the Hurley Clerk’s office, and candidates have until 5 p.m. Friday to file a request for a recount.

Iron County’s canvass is scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday, with Mullard saying he expects the county board recount to take place sometime after that.