Incumbents win 2 Liberty seats, 1 in Champion

A recount is required for the second decision in Champion.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LIBERTY -- Voters had a choice of seven candidates for two Liberty Township trustee seats and chose to stick with the incumbents Jack Simon and Gary Litch.
Simon said confidence in the past job performance of elected officials was the deciding factor in the election. He said residents expect the same level of leadership in the future.
"They were pleased with the progress we have made in the infrastructure and the potential for incoming business to the township," he said. "They gave me a vote of confidence, and I am going to continue to work as I have done the last eight years."
Litch said the vote of confidence shown in him and Simon will not be wasted in the coming years.
"Liberty is on its way back. We are making good progress, and the people recognize that," he said. "Jack and I have shown the residents our dedication to the township."
Both trustees are of like mind when it comes to what has to be done here in the immediate future. They both want to work on attracting business to the Belmont Avenue area immediately. Attracting business to the area is something both candidates spoke about extensively during their respective campaigns.
Both candidates also see continued improvements in infrastructure throughout the township as an ongoing immediate need. The township has been working on sewer line upgrades.
Close race
Voters in Champion Township elected to keep one incumbent trustee. Jeff Hovanic received a little more than 26 percent of the total vote. Incumbent Keith Bowser received 14.09 percent of the total -- but that is less than challengers Bob Farmer with 14.28 percent and Tom Tracey with 14.42 percent.
Races within one half of 1 percent call for an automatic recount. Tracey, Bowser and Farmer all fall within that margin.
Hovanic said he is grateful the community decided to give him a decided victory in the race. He said voters recognized his devotion to the community.
"I care deeply about the community, and I try to put the community first," he said. "They feel I have earned a third term, and for that I am grateful."