SALEM Republican incumbents hold on to council seats
One of the unsuccessful candidates previously served as council president.
LISBON -- Election Day proved to be a clean sweep for Salem City Council's Republican incumbents.
Nancy Cope, Alma Apicella and Fred Vogel bested two Democratic challengers in Tuesday's contest.
Vogel was the biggest vote-getter, garnering nearly 23 percent of the ballots cast. Apicella and Cope gathered about 22 percent.
Challengers' names: They defeated Cheryl Kholos and Al Lesch, who received about 15 percent and 18 percent, respectively.
Lesch's defeat derailed his bid to return to city council, having served on the panel in 1991-92 and 1995-96.
Kholos ran unsuccessfully for the 3rd Ward council seat in November 1999. She serves as city zoning board of appeals secretary.
Vogel, 45, and Apicella, 64, have been on council since 1998.
Cope, 53, has been on the panel since 1996. She served as county commissioner from 1987 to 1990. She also is former organization director for the Columbiana County Farm Bureau.
Reasons for staying: Before the election, Cope said she wants to stay on council to help continue the growth now affecting the city.
Vogel and Apicella have each said they were seeking second terms because they enjoy serving the community and wish to continue doing so.
Vogel is a local businessman. Apicella was formerly a hospital official.