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Ohioans Say 'Yes' to Outstanding Leadership

COLUMBUS – Ohioans sought out outstanding leaders during extraordinary economic times and selected Democrats to guide nearly every major city with contested municipal elections Tuesday.

“Ohio voters showed they want leaders who skillfully manage taxpayer dollars and have a vision for improving the cities of this state,” said Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Dennis L. White. “I am proud of the accomplishments of these local public servants who have to manage tight budgets with little or no financial help from Republican-controlled state and federal government.”

More than 1.7 million Ohioans living in the state’s major cities soundly endorsed Democrats leadership by:

-- Re-electing Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman and elected an all Democratic city council members

-- Retaining the majority of Cincinnati City Council by returning Laketa Cole, John Cranley, David Crowley, David Pepper and Alicia Reese.

-- Retaining the Majority of Toledo City Council by returning Frank Szollosi and Karyn McConnell, Wilma Brown, Bob McCloskey, Michael Ashford, Ellen Gracheck, and Wade Kapszukiwicz.

-- Re-electing Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic and retaining an all-Democratic city council

-- Retaining Dayton City Commissioner Dean Lovelace and adding Matt Joseph

More than 2 million Ohioans will be represented by mayors and city councils controlled by Democrats after including upset victory winners such as:

Parma – Dean DePiero Elyria – Bill Grace Massillon - Francis H. Cicchinelli’s Springfield – Warren Copeland Mansfield – Lydia Reid Zanesville – Jack Fenton Chillicothe – Joe Sulzer New Philadelphia - Ronald Brodzinski Willowick – Lorraine Fende Mt. Vernon - Richard Mavis Newark – Bruce Bain Warren – Michael O’Brien Bucyrus – Daniel Ross Euclid - Bill Cervenik Norwalk – Susan Lesch Marietta - Michael Mullen Norwood – Tom Williams Whitehall – Lynn Ochsendorf

Additionally, Ohioans elected thousands of other Democrats to local offices including municipal judgeships, city attorneys and township trustees. Ohio has more than 5,000 elected Democratic officeholders.

We’re still sorting through all the returns. Check back for more information about the Ohio victories.

Contact: Dan Trevas at (614) 221-6563 ext. 129 or dan@ohiodems.org