Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Keith McCord ReportingThe Weber County community of Washington Terrace finally has a mayor tonight. Ten days after the election ended in a tie the race was decided by a roll of the dice.
Shari Peterson, City Recorder: "At the count of three, please roll the dice simultaneously down the table... 1, 2...3......"
This is how they elected their mayor in Washington Terrace tonight. The winner was the incumbent, Mark Allen. He rolled a five; his opponent, Robert Garside had a four.
After rowdy cheers, and hugs all around, Mayor Allen jokingly heaved a sigh of relief!
Mark Allen, Mayor of Washington Terrace: "Wow! History huh? History. I want those dice back. I'm going to make a necklace out of them and wear them around..."
Tossing dice isn't usually how they decide elections around here. Back on November 4th Allen and Garside each received 716 votes.
They then had to wait on other ballots that needed address certification. When they were counted the following day, Garside was ahead by two. But there were still two absentee ballots that were in the mail. When they came in, the two were tied again at 724!
So, it came down to this! City Recorder Shari Peterson went out and bought two packages of dice. The candidates selected two from each pack and tossed. They even designed a special table!
In keeping with the entire election, even the dice toss was close—five to four.
Both candidates were good natured during the past ten days of uncertainty. Mayor Allen gets sworn in in January. Challenger Robert Garside said he may run again next time; he just hopes the race is decided at the voting booth.
