GALION, Ohio — A number of new faces will dot Galion politics after Tuesday’s election. Both the incumbents and those elected for the first time expressed excitement about their respective jobs.
Treasurer
Rodney Sparks won by a 15 percent margin with 1,157 votes to outdistance his opponent, William Comerford with 856 Galion votes.
Sparks was unavailable for comment Tuesday night. Comerford said he is confident Galion is in good hands with Sparks.
“Galion was in a good position either way. I think we had two qualified candidates,” Comerford said. “I’d like to thank everyone who’s supported me through this process. I’m confident Rod will do a great job for the city.”
At-large council members
Five candidates ran for three at-large seats on city council. The three winners were incumbent Shirley Clark, incumbent Thomas Fellner and Gail Baldinger.
Close behind were Judith Gibson with 16.5 percent and Paula Durbin with 14.3 percent.
Shirley Clark said she is excited about the job.
“I will continue to work for Galion, and work on the parks, and try to bring Galion back to what it once was,” Clark said Tuesday night. “We’ve got a great bunch of council people right now.
“The kids need things to do. There’s never been a lot in Galion for the young people.”
Thomas Fellner said he wants to continue on the path of progress.
“The city is moving forward, despite some loud protests, but I think we’re headed in the right direction,” Fellner said. “And I want to continue on that path.”
He said he will fight the heroin problem in Galion.
“We’re making some progress in it. Safety forces are really diligent on it, but we can’t let up,” Fellner said.
Baldinger was unavailable for comment Tuesday night.
In response to not gaining an at-large seat on Galion’s city council, Durbin said she will remain a presence in the community.
“I’m sorry the citizens don’t want to hear the truth,” she said. “But I’m not going away.”
Gibson said she has come to city council meetings and other committee meetings for 10 years.
“It’s OK. It’s disappointing. Will I mourn? No. I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing now.”
3rd Ward council member
Jim Hedges won Galion’s 3rd ward council seat over incumbent Michael Richart. Hedges garnered 61.7 percent of the vote. Richart received 38.2 percent.
“I guess Galion’s ready for change in a positive direction,” Hedges said Tuesday night.
Richart responded, “I appreciated the opportunity to serve the community for a term-and-a-half. Hopefully the individual that takes over continues to help the community prosper and not let petty agendas get in the way.”
School renewal levy
Galion City School’s renewal levy passed with 61.7 percent in favor and 38.3 percent against. A total of 3,251 votes were cast.
For more detailed information, check the Crawford County Board of Elections’ website.
