Eight Republicans, including four incumbents, and two Democrats have so far pulled petitions to seek election to Hillsboro City Council, and the city treasurer’s office is being pursued by a Republican and a Democrat, with the incumbent treasurer apparently deciding not to seek re-election.
As of noon Monday, incumbent Republicans who have pulled petitions for re-election include at-large candidates Justin Harsha, West Walnut Street, Ann Morris, West Main Street, and Tracy Aranyos, East Main Street, who was previously elected from Ward 3. Aranyos first joined council as a Democrat, but is now a registered Republican.
Also seeking re-election is Republican Claudia Klein, John Street, from Ward 2. Democrat Jason Burns, Vaughn Avenue, has also pulled petitions for Ward 2.
Republican Adam Wilkin, East Main Street, has pulled petitions to seek the Ward 1 council seat currently held by his wife, Rebecca, who is apparently not seeking re-election.
Republican Kay Barrera, East Walnut Street, has pulled petitions for council Ward 3.
Two Republicans have pulled petitions for the Ward 4 council spot, Joe Mahan and Jason Grove, both of South Elm Street. If both file their petitions, it would set up the only contested partisan race in the primary election in May, based on known candidates so far. Also circulating petitions for Ward 4 is Democrat Mary Stanforth, Vine Street.
With incumbent treasurer Bob Storer apparently not seeking re-election, two newcomers have pulled petitions for that race, including Republican Amy Robinson, Meadow Lane, and Democrat Patricia Burns, West Collins Avenue. Robinson is the daughter of council member Ann Morris. Patricia Burns is not related to Jason Burns.
Republican Lee Koogler, council president, announced earlier that he had pulled petitions for re-election. So far, there are no other known candidates for president of council.
In addition to Rebecca Wilkin, council incumbents apparently not seeking re-election are Republican Dick Donley, who holds an at-large position, and Democrat Bill Alexander, who represents Ward 4.
Candidates who are known to have pulled petitions did so in person at the Highland County Board of Elections, but candidates can also download petitions and forms from the Ohio Secretary of State’s website, so it is possible there are additional candidates who are not yet on file with the local election board. The filing deadline for Republicans and Democrats is Feb. 1. Non-affiliated candidates have until May 1 to file.
Partisan candidates for council president, city treasurer and council-at-large need to turn in petitions with 50 valid signatures of registered voters in the city. Ward candidates need 25 valid signatures from their respective wards.
Earlier, Steve Witham, election board administrator, said that if there were no contested partisan races it would not be necessary to hold a primary election. But not only would the Republican contest for the Ward 4 council seat change that on the GOP side, a primary will be held anyway due to the decision by the Paint Valley Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services (ADAMH) Board to again place a property tax levy on the ballot in May. A similar levy went down to defeat in November.
Reach Gary Abernathy at 937-393-3456 or by email at [email protected].
