Meredith, Baty win in Milton

Her campaign signs advertised her as “Pepper’s mom,” but Randi Meredith can now call herself Milton councilwoman.

Meredith, mom to daughters Pepper and Azalea, was the top vote-getter in March 7’s Milton municipal election. Incumbent Councilman Rich Baty came in second. Both will serve three-year terms. They will be sworn in at council’s Monday, April 6 meeting.

Surrounded by her kids - “You did it!” Pepper said - Meredith, a first-time candidate, said she was thankful for the support and is looking forward to working with the other members of council.

“My campaign touched on some issues that resonated with Miltonians,” Meredith said. “I have a lot to learn, I know that.”

Meredith, 39, was inspired to run after Zombie Fest was moved out of Milton to Dewey Beach, and she said she is looking to tackle that issue when she takes her seat. Meredith said she also wants to improve the town’s sidewalk network and attract more festivals to downtown Milton.

Meredith received 313 votes, while Baty received 204. Incumbent Emory West trailed by only five votes at 199, while newcomer John Klein received 141. 

There were 453 ballots cast in the election, 410 by machine and 43 via absentee ballot. The town has 1,184 registered voters. 

 Baty, 81, will serve his second term on council, one he has said will likely be his last. The town treasurer, Baty arrived at Town Hall with his wife, Eileen, shortly after the results were announced, but he was quickly informed of his re-election by Mayor Ted Kanakos and councilmen Kevin Kelly and Sam Garde, who had all earlier congratulated Meredith on her victory. 

Baty said he was surprised by the results, but happy he will be able to return to council.

“I enjoy what I’m doing. I’m sorry Emory lost. He’ll be tough to replace,” Baty said. “The vote count should open some eyes in the sense that the community is changing a little bit.”

Baty said he wants to focus on policies and procedures regarding capital improvements and to find a way to link the town’s comprehensive plan with the town’s sustainability plan, which both provide guidelines for preserving Milton’s character while better planning future growth. 

West, a native Miltonian who had served three terms on the council, said he was not bitter at the results and thanked the citizens of Milton for allowing him to serve.

“I’ll still be involved with this town. I’m down, but not out,” he said. “I’m a little disappointed, but it just wasn’t meant to be.”