Mathews Defeats Cross; Sherman Wins Commissioner’s Race; Mixed Results for Money Issues; Reactions from All

Voters made their voices heard in Tuesday’s Primary Election.

Hardin County voters chose Joe Sherman as the Republican candidate for Hardin County Commissioner.

He received 1465 votes, topping Michael Kasler, Kathy Kelley and Paul Osborne.

Sherman was pleased with the results, “I appreciate everyone that came out and voted. I’m very thankful for my family to support me in this endeavor, and also basically the other  candidates, they were very upstanding citizens. They had a very good race, and I can honestly say we all got along. For Hardin County, I think that bodes well for everybody.”

Sherman will run unopposed this fall.

In the race for the Representative of the 83rd District in the Ohio House of Representatives, Ty Mathews beat incumbent Jon Cross 12,819 to 6647. Those are combined totals from Hardin, Hancock and Logan Counties.

Mathews was thankful for the outcome, “That we were able to assemble all the hard work that we did as soon as I got back from Iraq in August, and very, very happy with the results and through a lot of prayer, I give all the glory to God.”

He said he heard from his opponent shortly after the race was called last night, “Jon is very, very gracious. I really appreciate that, and I hope for the best for Jon going forward.”

Cross was disappointed in the results, but “Well obviously anyone can be disappointed they lost, but you win with grace, you lose with grace, and we’re just really honored to serve. It has been an amazing opportunity to do great things for the district. I’ve always put the district first, and I want nothing but the best for our district and for our communities.”

He said he plans to finish out his term fighting for the district before deciding on what’s next, “I’m sure whatever we do, it’s something where we continue to be of help and do good things for the State of Ohio.”

Mathews will face Sheila Coressel this Fall. She ran unopposed on the Democratic ballot Tuesday.

There were mixed results for two money issues on the ballot Tuesday.

The BKP Ambulance District levy passed 1155 in favor and 1031 against.

Chief Chad Smith had this reaction, “I was a little shocked that it was as close as it was, but it still passed and that helps us to be able to serve the community and take care of the residents who expect us to be here and need us to be here, so everybody that actually did vote I appreciate whether they voted yes or no. They all had their separate reasons, because nobody wanted to pay more tax than we already do.”

The Riverdale levy was defeated 779 against and 720 in favor. Those are combined totals from Hardin, Hancock and Wyandot Counties.

Superintendent Greg Rossman said the administration will work with the Board of Education to plan the next steps, “We’re close. Going back to the fall, we were very close. We lost by a few votes, and I didn’t get the official results here from last night, but  I think it was in that 50-60 votes, so we’re very, very close. The community is very supportive. We know that, so we will continue to plan and see what our next steps are, and hopefully the next attempt will be successful.”

The results from Tuesday’s election are unofficial until certified by the Board of Elections.