By Andrew Walsh
awalsh@wbcowqel.com
Thomas O’Leary was retained as Mayor of the City of Galion by an overwhelming majority, beating challenger David Dayne by nearly three to one. The mood O’Leary expressed after the numbers were in was more one relief than one of exaltation, and that tomorrow the work really begins.
O’Leary said, “Today’s the first night since I took office,” that the focus can be on moving forward. With the first term lasting a mere seven months, he is looking forward to four years of being able to work, and thinking in terms of “years versus weeks.”
Two members of the now defunct city charter government will not be involved going forward. Roberta Wade was ousted from her seat as law director by challenger Thomas Palmer, and Gail Baldinger, former council president, failed in his bid to win an at-large council seat. The new council will be as follows: Tom Fellner, Shirley Clark, Jon Kleinknecht, Eric Webber, Steve Rowan, Mike Richart, and Carl Watt.
Council President Don Faulds defeated challenger Marcy Porter, and Auditor Brian Treisch defeated challengers Rodney Sparks and Dianna Beachy.
For complete vote tallies go to the Election page.