East Franklin Township Chair Retains Voter Support

 

by Jonathan Weaver

East Franklin Township Supervisor Barry Peters maintained voter confidence during the Primary Election and will be the lone Republican candidate for another term this November.

Peters - who will be in office a dozen years if successful this fall - was challenged for the six-year term by Adrian resident Ed French.

French was a first-time candidate to unseat Peters and aimed to control spending, improve road conditions and attract new businesses without the promise of tax breaks.

“I’m disappointed, but I think I ran a good campaign. It’s hard to beat an incumbent,” French said. “The residents of East Franklin Township chose Barry, and I congratulate him.”

Based on votes cast at the three East Franklin Township voting locations, Peters received 290 votes to French’s 177. ‘

Only two write-in votes for the position were cast, and it is unknown how many absentee ballots were received in the municipality.

French, 70, is undecided if he will run for elected office again in the future.

“I’ve learned a lot. (There are) things I would change, but it was a very good experience,” French said.

There were also no Democratic candidates for the office.

French’s Fiancée Rose Brocius also ran for elected office to continue as township auditor, but was unopposed and secured the nomination for this fall’s General Election as well.

Though she would like to the duties of the three auditors, she thought it would not change as long as the current board of supervisors is in charge.

“I supported (French) 100 percent – I was hoping the residents of the township were ready for a change,” Brocious said. “But, they didn’t see it, and it’s OK.”

The next township supervisor up for election would be Republican Dan Goldinger in 2017 – whom Brocious opposed two years ago. French said he would support her again if she decides to run again.