MOUNT VERNON — With 50 of 51 precincts reporting in by 9 p.m., it was clear that Republicans were going to win the four contested city council seats as well as the city treasurer’s position. Smiles, hugs and handshakes made the rounds in the upper room at The Alcove, where Republicans gathered to await the results.
Newcomers Matt Starr and Chris Menapace joined incumbent Janis Seavolt as the top three vote-getters in the city council at-large race, beating out Democrats incumbent John Booth and Donald Bovinett Jr. Starr topped the votes with 25.79 percent; Seavolt and Menapace had 24.07 and 20.58 percent, respectively.
“We’ve got our work cut out for us, but things are going to be all right,” said Starr. “We are going to take on the drug issues head on, develop the economy and tackle infrastructure. I look forward to being part of this team that will make this city wonderful.”
Seavolt thanked the group for its support and the voters for allowing her to continue on council. “I’m glad I have some Republicans joining us to work with. I look forward to going back,” she said.
Menapace, who, according to Republican Party Chairman Chip McConville, had the “most inventive yard sign,” thanked his family for its support. “I am very excited. I’ve been attending city council meetings for 10 years off and on,” he said. “I feel that I am a student of whatever process I’m in. I’m coming in with my eyes open and want to make a lot of good things happen.”
A government teacher at Mount Vernon High School, Jeff Gottke defeated Democrat Susan Kahrl for the 4th Ward council seat. Current 4th Ward Councilman John Fair did not seek re-election.
In an email Kahrl said, “I want to congratulate Jeff Gottke as he assumes his position on Mount Vernon City Council. He is a great young man who cares about our city. I look forward to continuing my involvement in our community and am looking forward to ‘The Ohio Magazine’s Best Home Town Celebration’ Friday night at 6pm at the Memorial Building.”
Gottke said that when he first told his wife that the Knox County Republican Party wanted him to run for the 4th Ward seat, he almost wanted her to talk him out of it. Instead, she enthusiastically agreed.
“As a government nerd, this is awesome for me,” he said. “I think we bring some youth and some new ideas [to council.] I think the city is at a turning point, and I really want to be a part of that.”
Felicia Rhodes pulled in 52.28 percent of the vote in the city treasurer’s race compared to incumbent Democrat Anton “Bud” Krutsch’s 47.72 percent. “It hasn’t been easy, but we did it and I look forward to serving as your treasurer,” she said.
Booth and Krutsch came to The Alcove to congratulate Rhodes and the at-large council winners. Of his defeat, Booth said, “I have no regrets.”
“The voters of this town have been very gracious to me,” he said. “I have been elected 11 times as 2nd Ward Councilman, eight times as president of council and once as at-large. In the 212-year history of Mount Vernon, no one has done what I’ve done in all three positions.
“I thank the voters. I always say the voters are right,” he continued. “We have youth, and I’ve said we need youth. I know Matt and Chris will do a good job.”
Several other Republicans were unopposed in their respective races:
- Council members John Francis and Nancy Vail
- Council president Bruce Hawkins
- Municipal Judge John Thatcher
The evening started off on a positive note, with Starr and Brittany Whitney, assistant director of law for the city, presenting a check for $837.50 to Denise Conway, who accepted it on behalf of KSAAT (Knox Substance Abuse Action Team). Conway, a pharmacist at Foster’s Pharmacy, serves on the community committee of KSAAT.
The check represents the proceeds from a fundraiser held earlier in the year. Conway said the money will be used for a mobile KSAAT trailer containing the Hidden in Plain Sight demonstration. The trailer will be house at the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
“We want this mobile unit to travel farther than what we can in the back of our cars right now,” she said.
“Now we can take this thing and really do some education about what to look for,” said Starr, also a member of KSAAT.
