BUCYRUS — The Ohio primary election lasted longer than normal due to the cancellation of in-person voting March 17, but the unofficial results are finally in.
For the Crawford County Board of Commissioners position currently occupied by Mo Ressallat, who did not seek reelection, Larry Schmidt won on the Republican ticket and does not have a Democratic opponent in November’s election.
“I would like to thank everyone who voted for me and who has confidence in me,” Schmidt said. “A lot of prayer and soul searching went into my decision to run. I want to be involved in making Crawford County a great place to live and work.”
He said between now and the November election, he will be working to get up to speed on issues facing the county so that he can make informed decisions.
Schmidt defeated fellow candidates Terry Gribble, Amber Wertman and Michael E. Schiefer to be able to run in November.
“I am glad I made the decision to run for office, as I have learned so much throughout this process,” Wertman said. “I want to thank everyone who supported me, donated, put signs out, told others and voted for me. Congratulations to Larry Schmidt. He will serve our county well.”
Terry Gribble said that he first hopes everyone is safe and healthy from the COVID-19, and also for their support.
“Thanks to all who voted for me, had signs in your yards and supported me. Thank you,” Gribble said.
Incumbent Doug Weisenauer defeated challenger Jeff Price to remain in his current position. There is no Democratic candidate running in November for this position either.
“I am thankful for the support I have received over my years of service,” Weisenauer said. “I am proud to call Crawford County home.”
Price said he thanks everyone who voted for him.
“I would like to thank all of my supporters and congratulate Doug Weisenauer on his re-election,” Price said.
A 1-mill renewal levy issued for the next five years along with a .75-mill additional levy for five years, for the operation of the Crawford County Council on Aging to continue services to the elderly throughout Crawford County, overwhelmingly was passed by voters with 4,443 voting for the levy and 1,872 against the issue.
According to Ruth Leuthold, director of the Crawford County Board of Elections, there were 123 provisional ballots cast and there are 578 outstanding absentee ballots. The official count of all votes will be May 12 at 9 a.m. at the board of elections in the lower level of the Crawford County Courthouse.