Washington County voters approve three levies, Lang and Nohe win commissioner races
From left, Washington County Commissioner Greg Nohe listens as Recorder Teresa Judson reads off the latest election results at the Washington County Republican Headquarters Tuesday evening. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Democratic Ohio House of Representatives candidate Wenda Sheard reacts to early election results, discussing how early voting may not be completely indicative of the final vote at the Washington County Democratic Headquarters Tuesday evening. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
From left, Washington County Commissioner Greg Nohe listens as Recorder Teresa Judson reads off the latest election results at the Washington County Republican Headquarters Tuesday evening. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
Democratic Ohio House of Representatives candidate Wenda Sheard reacts to early election results, discussing how early voting may not be completely indicative of the final vote at the Washington County Democratic Headquarters Tuesday evening. (Photo by Gwen Sour)
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MARIETTA - Washington County passed three countywide levies in the Nov. 3 election, with Stephanie Lang and incumbent Greg Nohe winning their races for Washington County Commission, while incumbent Rep. Kevin Ritter, R-Marietta, retained the House of Representatives District 94 seat.
After winning the Republican primary against incumbent Commissioner Eddie Place, Lang defeated Democrat Brian Whalin for a full commission term with 65.53% of votes, according to the final, unofficial count on Tuesday night. With all 50 precincts reporting, Lang received 14,682 votes to Whalin's 7,722.
"I said I was going to have a wonderful time and I did ... I don't regret it," Whalin said. "I hope that we can continue to put up decent candidates ... and I'll be around. We're going to be in Washington County for the rest of our lives."
Lang was not immediately available for comment Tuesday evening.
Nohe, appointed to the commission last fall, won against Democrat John Rauch and independent candidate Justin Harris for the unexpired commission term with 50.14% of votes, according to the final, unofficial count on Tuesday night. Nohe received 11,321 votes to Rauch's 7,263 and Harris's 3,996.
"I think the citizens of this county know me and know what my stance is. I've been doing it in this county for 40 years, so it's very pleasing that they have the confidence in me and they know the leadership that I bring to the table," Nohe said.
After the unofficial results Tuesday, Rauch addressed attendees during an election watch party at the Washington County Democratic Headquarters in Marietta.
"I lost an election, but look at the friends I made. That's worth more than the election. I don't plan to sit on the sidelines," Rauch said. "We've made some serious (progress) with getting some of (the issues surrounding injection wells and NDAs) fixed. ... Thank you all so much for your support. I really appreciate it; I think we've run a good race."
Ritter defeated Democrat Wenda Sheard in the race for Ohio's 94th House District, receiving 25,078 votes, or 60.87%, according to unofficial results. Sheard received 16,119 votes, or 39.13%.
Ritter said he was pleased with Republican turnout in the district and grateful to those who helped bring voters to the polls. He said his priorities would depend partly on leadership and committee assignments in the next General Assembly.
"I just want to be of use to the people of the district and use to the caucus," he said.
Sheard thanked her supporters and said the campaign had built a network of volunteers who would remain involved in state government.
"We've won because we refuse to be powerless - instead we took action," she said. "I will testify with you in committee hearings."
A five-year renewal of a 0.35-mil levy for Washington County's 911 system passed with 67.48% approval.
"I want to thank the people of Washington County for supporting 911 and ensuring that we have the funding that we need to continue operating," said Douglas Moore, executive director of 911 Services.
Voters approved a 10-year, 0.5-mill levy for operating expenses for the Washington County Public Library by a vote of 56.5%. The levy was previously rejected in May, when it was on the ballot due to a procedural error that nullified its passage last November.
A five-year renewal of a 0.5-mill levy supporting behavioral health treatment, prevention and recovery programs passed with 59.52% approval.
A representative of the Washington County Behavioral Health Board or the Washington County Public Library were not immediately available for comment on Tuesday night.