Coin toss decides second winner of Pine Island, Minn., council race

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

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PINE ISLAND, Minn. — The lady called heads. The coin came up heads.

A coin toss Thursday, Nov. 12, determined which of two candidates would sit on the Pine Island City Council for the next four years.

With two open seats on the Pine Island City Council on Nov. 3, and four candidates on the ballot, Tosca Wohl was the clear winner of one of the two City Council seats. However, incumbent council member Delana Weis and one of the challengers, Dominick Pahl, tied for the second spot.

To determine the winner, a coin toss was held during the special City Council meeting to certify the city's election results.

Mayor Brandi Veith Staloch read the results, stating that Mark E. Lang had won the mayoral race, and Wohl had earned one of two spots on the council. She then said two candidates tied for the second spot.

City Administrator Elizabeth Howard then noted that state statute advises cities to determine the winner in the case of a tie "by lot." That means anything from drawing straws or names from a hat or, as Pine Island chose to do, a coin toss.

As the incumbent, Weis was given the call and called heads.

Pahl congratulated her, saying some day he might run again.

Howard noted that a recount was not an option because a recount must be requested by a losing candidate. Only after the coin toss could either candidate — whoever lost — then ask for a recount.

Pahl indicated he had no plans to do so.

• Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin
• Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin
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Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

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• Brian Todd

Brian Todd is the news editor at the Post Bulletin. When not at work, he spends time with his family, roots for the Houston Astros and watches his miniature dachshund sleep, which is why that dog is more bratwurst than hotdog. Readers can reach Brian at 507-285-7715 or [email protected].

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