May 6 Election Results and Comments

It was a low voter turnout for Tuesday’s Primary Election, as only around 2300 out of just over 18,000 registered voters cast a ballot.

The only contested race was on the Republican ballot for Hardin County Municipal Court Judge.

Andrew Tudor narrowly defeated Colleen O’Connell 929 to 903. Tudor said he appreciates the county’s support, “Yes, it was obviously a very close race. I appreciate Hardin County’s support, and I’m very humbled. I’m very excited to get started although it’s not until January, but I have plenty of time to prepare, and I’m excited to serve the county as their next Hardin County Municipal Judge.”

The one county-wide money issue was the renewal levy for the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, which easily passed 1467 in favor, 857 against. Sheriff Keith Evehart said he is very happy to have the support of voters, “As I said, this community has always supported us, and obviously they continued to do so last night, yesterday. We’re just very appreciative of all the support from this entire county, and we hope that we will continue to earn their support on a daily basis.”

The City of Kenton levy to support the Kenton Fire Department and Police Department came up just short, 321 against and 254 in favor.

Fire Chief Bruce Donnelly had this comment, “It’s one of those things where we’re not in such a dire position that this failure is going to set us back or we’re going to be cutting services or anything like that. I mean it’s just one of those things. We’re kind of being a little proactive with this levy just to try to anticipate some of the upcoming expenses, and so that’s where we’ll just gut it out here this time and so we’ll see what we can do the next time.”

Police Chief Dennis Musser echoed those comments, “I think we’ll run it again in November. We’ll have to discuss that with the administration, but levies are not a popular thing, especially when it’s a big ask like that, so we will see what happens in November.”

Voters supported the BKP Ambulance District’s levy voting 720 in favor 486 against. Chief Chad Smith, “I think it’s great that they turned out and they support us, because we try to turn around and support them also, and we needed them just as much as much as they need us, and I’m glad that they see that and we can all work together and focus on the community and making things better.”

Also Tuesday, Liberty Township voters passed a tax levy, 232 in favor, 155 against, and voters in Kenton’s second ward passed a local liquor option, 148 yes, and 89 no votes.

These results are unofficial until certified by the Hardin County Board of Elections.