The Myers family stood with Commissioner Candidate Don Myers at the Armstrong County Court House to watch the returns be posted. Pictured are: Don Myers, Keith Myers (Don’s youngest), Izabella Myers (Keith & Haley’s three-year-old daughter), Haley Myers (daughter-in-law) and Donna Myers (Don’s wife).
The Primary Election saw two incumbent commissioners given the nod to represent their parties this November in the General Election.
Current Commissioner Pat Fabian and Anthony Shea, Jr. were the only two Democrats on the ballot, so both will continue to the General Election. Fabian received 51.41% of the Democratic vote while Shea received 42.73%.
For the Republicans, it was a different story. One incumbent commissioner, Jason Renshaw, faced off against four other candidates for two spots on November’s ballot.
It was Don Myers’ first attempt at politics and he became the top vote-getter with 3,106 votes (27.47%). Current Commissioner Jason Renshaw came in a close second with 3,072 (27.17%).
“I’ve enjoyed the whole thing throughout, getting to meet so many different people from all the different areas and it’s just been an awesome experience,” Myers said of his first political campaign. “You live here your whole life and when you’re doing this, you’re all over the County – and it’s more personal than just driving through an area meeting people. It’s very humbling when you think that there are people out there that you possible haven’t met casting a vote for you; it’s an awesome feeling.”
Commissioner Jason Renshaw talks to his wife, Jamie, in the lobby of the Court House Annex last night. His mother, Judy Renshaw, answers texts from friends wanting election updates.
With one term under his belt, Renshaw felt the pressure of qualified candidates and appreciated their efforts.
“I think it went well,” Renshaw said. “It was a good race. There were a lot of great candidates. Any of these people could help us here in the county. It’s an honor to be selected and hopefully serve another term. I’m excited and looking forward to it.”
Renshaw said the campaign work now just begins again.
“I’m gonna get out there and still meet as many new people as I can. I’ve been (commissioner) for four years now, and have had a chance to meet a lot of people.”
Deb Whiteman, who works in the commissioners’ office, pulled 14.64% of the votes.
Jorn Jensen, who ran four years ago for commissioner, received 9.61% of the vote.
Greg McKelvey, who is currently the East Franklin Township Codes Officer, found himself in third place with 2,305 votes (20.38%).
Candidate Greg McKelvey watches totals being posted near the conclusion of last night’s election.
“I definitely tried to keep the message of an action plan on a local level. We need results in terms of housing starts, more housing for older adults and then on the other end, clean-ups, and demolitions, which I think sets a foundation for future industrial growth and population increase. I’m disappointed that I finished third in a close race, but I feel like I ran pretty much the campaign I wanted to,” McKelvey said.