UPDATE: Fisher wins draw for ballot spot

MILFORD — As promised Delaware Valley School Board candidate Jack Fisher did not appear, but his proxy pulled the “number one” lot from a hat providing Fisher with a primary election victory Friday. Candidate Bill Greenlaw, who campaigned with Fisher, appeared for Fisher who chose not to gamble for the seat on religious grounds. Greenlaw and incumbent Ed Silverstone were the stars of a noon-time show at Pike County Commissioners meeting room, as they broke a Republican primary election 638-vote tie between Fisher and Silverstone. With the media and a few onlookers on hand, Commissioner Richard Caridi brought the meeting county board of elections — who are also the county commissioners — to order at the stroke of noon. Solicitor Richard Farley prefaced the rationale for the meeting: state law requiring the drawing of lots to break an election tie. Caridi said earlier that the county had contacted state officials to determine exactly what the drawing of lots meant. “We wanted to do it right as we could be challenged about. But nobody knew,” he explained. “I suggested pistols,” said one county official. They decided on a double drawing. First, Greenlaw and Silverstone were asked to draw straws out of cap held by Commissioner Harry Forbes. The long straw would then draw first for a “lot,” a numbered ball which the county keeps on hand for determining ballot positions among multiple candidates. Greenlaw drew the long straw. With the hat aloft again, Greenlaw and then Silverstone drew again for the lots. After both drew, they revealed their numbers, “It’s a two,” Silverstone said. Greenlaw presented the winning number one. With the tie broken, Commissioners Clerk Gary Orben said the election is certified. Of the four-year candidates, Pam Lutfy, Sue Schor, and Fisher will have dual-party ballot slots in November, while Greenlaw will run on the Democratic ballot and incumbent Bob Goldsack will run on the Republican line. Charles Pike won dual party endorsements in primary for the two-year seat.