MOUNT VERNON — This year’s primary election features a field of candidates vying for a Knox County commissioner seat that opens at the end of this year.
Roger Reed’s term as county commissioner is up Dec. 31, 2018, and this year’s primaries will feature a five-way competition to be the Republican candidate and while Donald Bovinett, Jr., of Mount Vernon, will run uncontested as the Democrat candidate. The commissioner’s seat is for a four-year term.
According to the Knox County Board of Elections, Jeff Cline of Gambier, and Bruce E. Hawkins, Denny Snow, and William B. Pursel, all of Mount Vernon, are running to claim the Republican candidacy.
Republican Jonette Curry filed a petition to once again run for Knox County Auditor. Curry’s current four-year term ends March 10, 2019.
Incumbent Rick Carfagna (R) of Westerville, whose term expires Dec. 31, will be running unopposed in the primary election for Ohio Representative of District 68. He will face Democrat Kathleen A. Tate of Howard in the General Election in November. Tate is also running unopposed in the primary.
Incumbent Bob Gibbs of Lakeville will have to face off against two other Republicans in the primary for the congressman’s seat representing Ohio’s 7th District. Republican voters will be able to choose between Gibbs, Mount Vernon’s Patrick J. Quinn, and Medina’s Terry Robertson.
The Democratic ticket for the 7th District’s U.S. Representative will feature a contest between Ken Harbaugh of Avon and Patrick M. Pikus of Canton.
There are three issues on the ballot for the primary election, none of which will impact all county residents. Voters in Howard Township will have the opportunity to renew a four-year, 1.0 mills property tax levy. The tax levies help pay for general construction, and resurfacing and repair of roads, streets, and bridges. If passed, the levy would begin this year, but would be due in 2019.
Residents in Pike Township will have the opportunity to decide whether a local business can handle liquor sales. Tamra Wood is asking Pike Township voters if Amity Bent and Dent, 16491 Wooster Rd., Mount Vernon, can sell beer, wine, and mixed beverages. The option would allow Amity Bent and Dent to apply for D-1, D-2, and D-6 liquor licenses, the last of which permits Sunday liquor sales.
Northridge School District has put an income tax and bond issue on the ballot for the primaries. The district is seeking an additional 30-year, 0.5 mills levy to pay for permanent improvements. That levy would commence Jan. 1, 2019. The bond issue, which would pay for construction, renovation, furnishings, and technologies, would have a $15,500 principal at a rate of 2.8 mills for 30 years.
The 2018 primary election will take place on May 8. Residents can register to vote at the Knox County Board of Elections, 117 E. High St. Suite 210, Mount Vernon, or at MyOhioVote.com. The deadline to register to vote is April 9. Absentee voting by mail and early in-person voting begins April 10.
