ATHENS, Ohio — With three incumbents — Jeff Risner, Solveig Spjeldnes and Sam Crowl — declining to run for new terms, Tuesday’s primary for Athens City Council will lead to some fresh faces on the November ballot.
Athens City Council members are elected in odd-numbered years and serve two-year terms. Primary winners will continue to the Nov. 4 election.
Unofficial results from the Athens County Board of Elections:
1st Ward
Megan Almeida won the Democratic primary for Athens City Council’s 1st Ward, the seat being vacated by Spjeldnes.
“I’m shocked and humbled by the result,” Almeida said.
Almeida won 55% of the vote and her opponent, Anthony Jacobs, won 38% of the vote.
The other 7% went to Andrew Guidarelli, whose name appeared on the ballot although he dropped out of the race in late March.
At-Large
In the Democratic primary, voters elected Paul Isherwood to serve as a new at-large city council representative, and reelected incumbents Beth Clodfelter and Jessica Thomas.
Clodfelter received 31% of votes, or 849. Thomas came in second place, having received 29% of votes, or 792. Isherwood secured the third seat at 617 votes, or 22%.
Coldfelter said she is excited to work with the two incoming city council members.
“I do think those of us who are already on council — I hope I will do this –- can reach out to them and help them, and if they would like some suggestions, you know, share them or just make them feel welcome,” Clodfelter said.
Ari Faber received the lowest percentage of votes, around 18%, or 510, of total at-large votes.
Faber told the Independent that he was “disappointed by the results but not entirely surprised.”
“I’ve been — for the last six months — very focused on things at [United Campus Ministry]. I’m going to continue focusing on that.” Faber said.
Faber said he hopes Isherwood, Clodfelter and Thomas “will do amazing things and tackle the issues that are most pressing in Athens.”
The Independent was unable to reach Isherwood and Thomas prior to publication.
Uncontested races
Uncontested races for the May 6 Democratic primary included:
- Treasurer: Incumbent Josh Thomas received 953 votes.
- President of Council: Micah McCarey received 1,027 votes.
- 2nd Ward: John Adams Staser received 185 votes.
- 3rd Ward: Incumbent Michael Wood received 272 votes.
- 4th Ward: Incumbent Alan Swank received 294 votes.
Note: This story was updated after its initial publication at 2:31 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, to add comment from at-large city council representative candidate Ari Faber.
Let us know what's happening in your neck of the woods!
Get in touch and share a story!
