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On March 4, 1997, a mayoral election was held inBurlington, Vermont. IncumbentProgressive Coalition MayorPeter Clavelle won reelection against threeindependent candidates.
Peter Brownell's victory in the1993 election againstProgressive Coalition MayorPeter Clavelle was the first time aRepublican had won Burlington's mayoralty sinceEdward A. Keenan left office in 1965, and ended the Progressive's control over the mayoralty which started withBernie Sanders' victory in the1981 election.[1]
However, Clavelle returned to office and defeated Brownell in the1995 election.[2] By the time of the 1997 election, the city council was composed of 6 Progressives, 5 Republicans, 2 Democrats, and an independent.[3]
Clavelle announced on December 2, 1996, that he would seek reelection[4] and received the Progressive nomination without opposition on December 9.[5]
The Democratic and Republican parties did not run candidates against Clavelle.[6] John Patch, a Democratic candidate for city council, said the Democrats did not field a candidate as Clavelle "has been a pretty good Democrat".[7]Kurt Wright declined to seek the Republican nomination.[8]
Clavelle, lacking any major party opponents, used campaign money to hold a party attended by Progressive city councilors.[9] Steve Hingtgen was Clavelle's campaign manager and expected to spend 1/4th of what Clavelle spent in 1995. He and Peter Baker were the only paid members of Clavelle's staff. The campaign focused on aiding Progressive city council candidates win.[6]
Independent candidates Beaudin, Brown, and Capps were Clavelle's only opponents. Beaudin and Brown ran in the 1995 election as well.[10] Brown spent $600 on a fundraising event in the Contois Auditorium in January 1997, but it was attended by nobody except one TV news reporter. Maja Capps did not raise any money as he was against the idea. Beaudin was vacationing in Florida until ten days before the election.[6]
A mayoral forum sponsored by the Burlington Waterfront Board was held on February 19.[6]
Clavelle won the election with over 70% of the popular vote.[11] In the concurrent city council elections the Progressives maintained their seats while the Republicans lost one to the Democrats.[12]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive Coalition | Peter Clavelle (incumbent) | 4,487 | 76.13% | |
| Independent | Louis Beaudin | 413 | 7.01% | |
| Independent | Michael Brown | 398 | 6.75% | |
| Independent | Maja Capps | 216 | 3.66% | |
| Write-in | 380 | 6.45% | ||
| Total votes | 5,894 | 100.00% | ||
