Thursday, May 17, 2007
The top vote-getters square off in November.
MERCER, Pa. -- Kenneth Ammann is waiting until absentee ballots are tabulated before declaring victory in the Democratic primary for Mercer County commissioner.
Ammann was one of two of the top vote-getters for the Democrats. But he was only 77 votes ahead of Timothy Templeton late Wednesday when votes from a malfunctioning Fredonia machine were finally tabulated and added to the county's Web site.
Ammann said he would hold off on any victory speeches until 364 absentee ballots are tabulated.
Jeff Greenburg, the county's Director of Registration and Elections, said that probably won't be until Friday. He said the party breakdown of the absentee ballots is not known.
Commissioner Brian Beader was top vote-getter in the Democratic primary, garnering 27 percent of the vote. Other vote totals were Ammann, 21 percent; Timothy Templeton, 20 percent; former Sharon Mayor Dave Ryan, 19 percent; and Jim Kaibas, 12 percent.
Republican winners were John Lechner with 30 percent of the vote and former County Solicitor Lewis McEwen with 29 percent. Other candidates were Philip Steele, 23 percent, and Mary Buckwalter, 17 percent.
Impressed by civility
Both Lechner and Beader commented on the amicability of the race, with Lechner saying he hopes such civility continues into the general election.
He added that a positive campaign is one of the "main building blocks for an amicable relationship" for the new board of commissioners, which will be elected in the fall.
Lechner said he felt the voters responded to his call for long-range planning, economic revitalization, finding a solution for Woodland Place, which is the former county nursing home, and a board of commissioners that works together.
Beader said he is "overwhelmed" and thankful for the support he received. He said he expects a tough race in the fall but is looking forward to retaining the Democratic majority on the board of commissioners.
Ammann said he felt important issues in the campaign were Woodland Place, economic development and jobs, a new jail which is near capacity and property tax issues.
He said he thinks the state Legislature should show some leadership in property tax relief since it has the budget to hire experts to come up with "the right plan."
McEwen said economic development is a major issue, and he thinks commissioners need a strong chief clerk to free commissioners' time to do long-range economic planning.