Blasdel retains seat in state House

The challenger says he was disappointed with voter turnout in an area of the county where he thought he would do well.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- With a fresh mandate as Ohio's 1st District state representative, Charles Blasdel is hoping to take a leadership role in the Ohio state House of Representatives.
After his victory Tuesday over Dr. Frank Rivelle, a Wellsville dentist, Blasdel said he is hoping to strengthen Columbiana County's representation in Columbus.
Blasdel, 31, the Republican incumbent, said he believes he can secure chairmanship of the House's financial institutions committee, which oversees banks and savings and loans.
"I look forward to taking a leadership position," Blasdel said. He added that the post would "pay significant dividends" in his ability to represent the district, which is made up solely of Columbiana County.
Getting state dollars
Blasdel said he "wants to make sure Columbiana County isn't left out" when it comes to its getting a fair share of state dollars.
One of his priorities, he said, will be landing more money for the continued development of an industrial park along the Ohio River in Wellsville.
Blasdel noted that he and other state legislators will be faced with demanding decisions in coming months as they try to craft a state budget amid tough financial times.
He said he's determined to see a spending plan that does not rely on sales or income tax increases for revenue.
Blasdel's victory over Rivelle, a 69-year-old Democrat, marks Blasdel's first bid for re-election. House terms are two years.
He gathered about 57 percent of the ballot count, and defeated Rivelle by about 4,108 votes, according to an unofficial tally.
Disappointed
Rivelle said he believes he ran a solid campaign and, looking back, would do nothing differently.
The challenger said he was disappointed by what he characterized as a low voter turnout in the East Liverpool and Wellsville areas, where his campaign thought it would draw a lot of votes.
Rivelle thought about 5,000 voters would cast ballots in that area. Instead, only about 3,000 visited the polls Tuesday, he said.
The challenger says he is not pondering any future forays into politics.
"The people have spoken," he said.