Fallsnewspress.com - One incumbent wins, another loses in village races

Jerry Budrevich

Janie Geis

by Phil Keren

Editor

Silver Lake -- In the two contested races for Village Council, one incumbent member was victorious, while the other member lost his post in the general election Nov. 3.

In the District C race, challenger Jerry Budrevich received 130 votes (or 53.28 percent), while incumbent James Richardson tallied 114 (or 46.72 percent), according to final but unofficial results from the Summit County Board of Elections.

In the District D race, incumbent Janie L. Geis garnered 170 votes (or 69.67 percent) in her race against write-in candidate Michael G. Nahas. The write-in candidate received 74 votes (or 30.33 percent).

Both Geis and Richardson were appointed to Council last year to finish unexpired terms.

"I am very pleased that I won the seat," said Budrevich. "I'm committed to this position for four years and that was the goal. We have had too much turnover in District C and a little stability will be good for us."

While saying he did not think he "did anything remarkable to win the seat," Budrevich noted he took the "time to walk the district and introduce myself to everyone and talk to those I could."

He noted the village has plenty of projects to work on in the next four years.

"Maintaining the budget and continuing services, and improving our infrastructure are the issues closest to me, with storm water projects as the top priority," said Budrevich.

"I am very excited and want to thank those who gave me the opportunity to represent District D for the next four years," said Geis.

Issues related to finances and infrastructure will command Council's attention in the near future, according to Geis.

"The village is not only faced with a limited stream of revenues, but we are also faced with aging sewer lines, equipment, vehicles, and infrastructure," said Geis. "Council is already working closely with the administration to tighten the budget and implement changes in order to continue offering the value-added services to residents, while still keeping the village looking beautiful."

During the campaign, Geis said she introduced herself "to a lot of my constituents," and added she has "tried to be as approachable as possible the last 16 months I've been on Council."

Richardson declined to comment, but offered congratulations to Budrevich.

Nahas said he "enjoyed" running for Council, and plans to seek office again.

The other incumbents, Christopher Scott in District A, and Carol Steiner in District B, were unopposed in their re-election bids.

E-mail: pkeren@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-686-3940