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Barnett ousts Sorey in Naples mayoral race

Posted at 11:10 PM, Mar 15, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-15 23:10:20-04
NAPLES, Fla.- A familiar face is returning to the mayor's seat in Naples.
 
City Councilman Bill Barnett won his 4th non-consecutive term as mayor, defeating incumbent John Sorey and fellow council member Teresa Heitman.
 
Barnett captured 46 percent of the vote, against 32 percent for Heitman, and 21 percent for Sorey.
 
"I certainly didn't anticipate those kind of numbers, but obviously, but the voters felt like he did a good job, so they vote for him," Sorey told Fox 4 moments after the results came in.
 
Sorey, who was seeking a second term in office, says he will continue his role as president of the Naples Players.
 
Barnett is returning to a familiar role.  He served as Naples mayor from 1996-2000, was re-elected again in 2004 and 2008.
 
"I love the people in the city of Naples, and the whole community and I felt that I was the best candidate."
 
Barnett believes he was elected because he listened to the voters.
 
"I'm just so grateful and definitely emotional inside it's like a dream come true, and the council that voters elected it's like a dream team."
 
Michelle McLeod, Ellen Siegel and Reg Buxton were elected to seats on the city council.
 
The new mayor and council will be seated next month.