LEWISTON – Robert Connors ousted incumbent Marc Mason in Lewiston’s Ward 5 by a 3-to-2 margin Tuesday.

Connors collected 696 votes Tuesday to Mason’s 431.

“I don’t know what made it happen, but I sure appreciate the people coming out,” Connors said Tuesday. “I really didn’t know what to expect. I’m a political neophyte.”

Mason said he was sure Connors’ history in Lewiston contributed to the win. Connors spent 21 years as the Lewiston school superintendent before retiring in 1998.

“He was well known throughout the community for past 30 years,” Mason said. “I’m sure he’ll do a fine job for the community.”

Rick Dubuc, of 121 East Ave., said that was what swayed him.

“I graduated from Lewiston High School 23 years ago, and I remember him,” Dubuc said. “I think he’ll do a good job.”

Meanwhile, in Lewiston’s Ward 1, former state Rep. Stavros Mendros claimed the seat being vacated by Roger Philippon. Mendros claimed 826 votes to opponent John Butler’s 665.

Mendros said he felt humbled by voters.

“I had a lot of people congratulate me for taking unpopular positions,” Stavros said. “They said they might not always agree with me, but they felt I always speak from the heart. They know that I’m not afraid to take a position.”

Butler issued a short statement saying he wished Stavros the best and said he hoped he would do a good job representing Ward 1 voters.

Butler alleged last week that Mendros didn’t really live in Lewiston’s Ward 1. Mendros produced signed leases and affidavits proving that he did, and the matter was dropped. Mendros said the allegations didn’t hurt him.

“If anything, I had people come up and say they didn’t think it was fair,” Mendros said. “They didn’t think it was right, dragging my personal life out.”

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