Local News
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Bettenhausen joins Marley, Widmer on Fostoria councilSTAFF WRITER
The doctor is in.
Dr. David Bettenhausen has won a seat on Fostoria City Council as one of the at-large Council members, according to unofficial election results.
Incumbents Georgie Widmer and Barbara Marley retained their seats and took the top two spots at 1,929 votes and 1,556 votes respectively.
"I just appreciate everybody who voted for me and hopefully I can continue to serve," Marley said.
Bettenhausen won the third spot with an impressive 1,519 votes, nearly 300 more than incumbent Council member Jerry Nelson's 1,267 votes.
"I'm definitely excited and willing to start as soon as I can," Bettenhausen said.
Bettenhausen said he will continue to go to Council meetings, prepare for issues and listen to people in town.
With the charter amendment race very close, Bettenhausen said he could not answer to what some plans he has for the future are at this time.
"Either way, I'm looking forward to working with the mayor and council for the next couple of years and I'll try to be available to everyone in Fostoria who has concerns," Bettenhausen said.
Bettenhausen has previously said while he does not believe the city can get many large industries to come to Fostoria, he would like to attempt to give tax abatements to attract large and small businesses to the area.
Bettenhausen is one of at least two new faces on City Council beginning in January. Despite the changes, Marley said she has hope for the future of the city.
"I certainly hope (council) can work together for the betterment of the city and between council and administration get some cooperation," Marley said.
Widmer did not return calls for comment, but has said she will focus on making Fostoria a better place to live for the children, who are one of the reasons she ran for re-election.
Falling in the election to fourth and fifth spots for at-large Council seats were Allyson Murray with 1,028 votes and Greg Flores with 474 votes. It was announced in October Flores was no longer in the running for the Council seat, but he missed the deadline to withdraw so his name still appeared on the ballot.
Paul Feasel, Council member for the Second Ward, ran unopposed and will retain his Council seat.
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Ph: (419) 435-6641 • Fax: (419) 435-9073
113 E. Center St. • P.O. Box 947
Fostoria, OH 44830
The Findlay Publishing Company
P.O. Box 609
Findlay, OH 45839-0609
Phone: (419) 422-5151
www.findlaypublishing.com
Please read our privacy guidelines
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1 Comment
The newest (and one term) candidates gained a greater increase (overall) in votes than long-serving candidates with the expanded turnout comparing spring to fall.
A good turnout in Findlay resulted in the passage of a sales tax, a school tax for new buildings, and and income tax increase. Only a few hundred more votes (representing even greater turnout) would have resulted in an entirely new council.
A lack of unity in Fostoria towards common goals resulted in the school levy defeat. The students deserved better from the adults in the community. Hopefully a different way to commit increased resources for students will be pursued in the immediate future.