June 11, 2011 brought more than just hot temperatures. For HAR’s Fort Bend Political Affairs Advisory Leadership (PAAL) group it also brought a long-awaited win for their supported candidate for Sugar Land City Council District 3, Amy Mitchell.  During the May election, Mitchell came in second to Howard Paul, but due to the lack of a majority vote, they were forced in to a runoff election.

In the extremely close ruffoff race for District 3, Amy Mitchell earned 50.03 percent of the vote to Howard Paul’s 49.97 percent, which means she won by one vote.

“Amy ran her campaign based on merit, her long-standing service and commitment to the community, with tireless energy and enthusiasm, and most of all, with high ethical standards and the utmost integrity. She really made us proud,” said Fort Bend PAAL Chair Vicki Warren. She continued by saying, “This one vote win proves that when REALTORS® play an active part in the political process we truly can make the difference. I am so proud of those PAAL volunteers who stepped up to help Amy with her victory.”

Sugar Land City Secretary Glenda Gundermann said the city is set to canvas the election returns June 21. Paul will have two days after that to petition for a recount. This means Paul can’t officially request a recount until June 22. The official winner of the runoff election for District 3 will replace outgoing Councilmember Russell Jones, who will continue to serve until the winner has been declared.

For Sugar Land City Council District 4, Harish Jajoo earned 52.38 percent of the votes to Farha Ahmed’s 47.62 percent.  He will replace outgoing Councilmember Michael Schiff.