Americans voted in record numbers on Nov. 4 and Summit and Stark counties were no exceptions. Polls opened at 6:30 a.m. but many arrived early to beat the crowds. Some voters reported waiting more than an hour to cast ballots in this history-making election.
There were two hard-fought races in Stark County. The race for the retiring Ralph Regula's congressional seat was hotly contested. Defeating Republican Kirk Schuring was Democrat John Boccieri. In the race for State Representative District 50 between Celeste DeHoff and Todd Snitchler of Lake Township, Snitchler will head to Columbus.
Stark County will have two new county commissioners - Tom Harmon and Peter Ferguson. Sheriff Timothy Swanson was re-elected as sheriff.
Lake Township's road levy was approved by voters.
Springfield voters showed their support of township services by passing road, police and a one-year fire apparatus levy.
New Franklin voters were vocal against the 1 percent income tax increase. The proposed levy would have doubled the current income tax.
Changes in Green's city charter was defeated.
Many residents complained that while Akron proposed the "Sewers for Scholarships" issue, the issue did not appear on their ballot. They claimed because they receive sewer services from the city, they too should have a voice in privatizing of the system in exchange for scholarships. The issue did not pass in Akron.
Congressman Tim Ryan will keep his seat in Washington. He defeated his opponent Duane Grassell. Betty Sutton was victorious in her Congressional re-election.
Tom Sawyer was re-elected as a state senator. Stephen Dyer, the 43rd District state representative was re-elected. Joe Fazek was defeated by incumbent John Otterman for the 45th Ohio House District.
Russ Pry will remain Summit County Executive. However, Greg Bachman was unseated by Alan Brubaker as Summit County Engineer.
Tim Crawford and Paula Prentice retain their county council seats.
