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Wednesday, 04 November 2009 |
By MIKE
BURKHOLDER
Managing Editor
ST. MARYS — The race for the final councilor-at-large seat in St. Marys
is separated by a single vote and will be decided in 14 days.
Incumbents Ron Ginter (1,195 votes or 24.43 percent) and Jim Harris (1,094 votes or 22.37 percent) retained their positions on city council. The race for the third seat is between newcomer Patrick McGowan (895 votes or 18.30 percent) and incumbent Mike Bernard (894 votes or 18.28 percent). The election results, including provisional ballots, will be certified by the Auglaize County Board of Elections Nov. 18.
Auglaize County Board of Elections Director Carolyn Campbell said this morning there are 30 provisional ballots in St. Marys and any ballots that were postmarked Monday will be counted as well. There also may be one overseas ballot.
The recount policy is if the final vote tally is within one-half of one percent , a recount can be triggered.
"It's kind of an interesting feeling," McGowan told The Evening Leader. "I guess I am a bit apprehensive. You'd like to be happy but can't really do anything until Nov. 18."
Bernard said win or lose, the results are just a part of the democratic process.
"The people made their choice and that's what elections are for," Bernard said.
Ginter thanked the voters for making him the No. 1 vote-getter.
"It feels great," Ginter said. "It's great to be the top vote getter but you have to work just as hard, maybe even harder."
Harris, a Republican, said he is pleased to retain his seat on council.
"It feels good," Harris said.
"I've always tried to vote in what I think is in the best interest of St. Marys as a whole."
Jerry Coffey (460 votes or 9.41 percent) and Cory Lykins (353 votes or 7.22 percent) rounded out the results.
1st Ward Race
Incumbent Mike Kleinhenz cruised to a 383 vote (73.23 percent) to 140 vote (26.77 percent) victory over challenger John Burd Sr. Kleinhenz said he is eager to continue his work on council.
"It feels good to win the election," Kleinhenz said. "I am looking forward to just meeting the challenge at hand."
4th Ward Race
Incumbent Robin Willoughby defeated write-in candidate Albert Goodwin 249 votes (91.54 percent) to 23 votes (8.46 percent) Willoughby said she looks forward to continuing to improve her ward.
"I am very honored and I want to thank all my constituents in the 4th Ward," Willoughby said. "Together we can make a difference."
Uncontested Races
Daniel Hoelscher received 1,622 votes as council president, Sue Pfeffenberger received 1,537 votes as treasurer, Dennis Vossler received 577 votes as 2nd Ward councilor and Billy Slemmons received 310 votes as 3rd Ward councilor.
The local option allowing the Certified Gas Station on Celina Road the sale of wine and mixed beverages on Sunday between the hours of 1 p.m. and midnight passed by a vote of 231 to 91.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 08 December 2009 )
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