CHILLIOTHE, Ohio — Several democrats lost their seats or their races in Chillicothe during election night on Tuesday.
Republican Joe Gieringer unseated city council president Bruce Arnold in a race that had big leads. Arnold has served on council since 2016 but will have to hand over his gavel in January.
To be the purse strings as the city treasurer, republican Jeremy M. Siberell beat challenger Robyn Brewster, who fought a hard race. Brewster was campaigning daily and her name was a fixture along streets and billboards throughout the city.
Republicans Julie Preston and Anthony Phillips will become councilmembers-at-large in Chillicothe, both having unseated democrat Ceil Corcoran and filling a vacancy left by Devon Shoemaker earlier this year. Democrat Dustin Proehl barely held onto his at-large seat, coming in last place among the three seats. Democrat Julie Thacker lost in second-to-last place.
In the fourth ward, republican Terrell Fairrow unseated democrat David Tatman, as republican Allison Henderson slaughtered democrat Courtney Lewis in the fifth ward. Lewis will have to give up her seat in January.
“Democrats are obviously disappointed by the city results, with the exception of Dustin Proehl retaining his seat and the passage of two public health levies,” said democratic chairman Tom Spetnagel. “We really felt that our candidates had a lot to offer the city, but we will regroup and forge ahead with the work of serving our residents.”
For Chillicothe City School Board, Kelsey Throne lost her bid to represent families in the city’s school district. Bill Bonner, Randy Kelley, and Shawn Porter will take the oath next year to be board members.
The tax levy in Harrison Township for Fire and EMS failed by 40 votes, with 100 voting for the levy and 140 against. The levy would have generated about $65,000 for the small fire department to sustain operations. Also in Harrison Township, newcomer Toby Dale Kellough unseated incumbent Claude D. Gray.
In Scioto Township, John K. Wetzel and Tom K. Straub will be township trustees in January, beating Joe Sharp and Matthew Hatfield.
Bryan B. Smith will be a township trustee next year in Union Township, joining Jeffrey G. Henness. The two beat Wes Bowels and Harold W. Bennett.
Near Frankfort, in Concord Township, Brandon Garrison and Steve Core won Tuesday night, having beat Brice Acton and Virgil Flannery.
In all, the Board of Elections said voter turnout was at around 27% with 12,549 of the county’s 45,825 registered voters casting ballots.
