By HOLLY GASKILL
Republicans Rick Elwell and Blake Fiechter have secured their spots on the November ballot.
The two at-large seats on the Bluffton Common Council were the subject of the only contested primary race in Wells County. Elwell, the running incumbent, received 384 votes, and Fiechter received 274 votes.
The other candidates, Ron Neuenschwander and Ethan Sommerfeld, received 192 and 88 votes, respectively.
“I’m humbled and grateful to continue the work we’re starting on the council,” Elwell said.
“Thank you for always supporting me, and if you didn’t support me, hopefully, I’ll be able to gain your support in the next couple of months,” Fiechter said.
Republicans had their slate of city offices filled with otherwise uncontested candidates.
Amidst the celebration, GOP County Chairman Zach Rodgers noted the low turnout in the election — only 495 ballots were cast in the election, representing a whopping 7.17 percent among registered voters in Wells County.
“This is certainly disappointing for all of us,” Rodgers said. “It may be a wake-up call that we need to push harder and harder — even when there are uncontested races — because people getting their votes and earning their votes are important.”
Among the uncontested races, Bluffton city Judge Rob Bale received the most votes of the evening with 427 votes. Mayor John Whicker followed closely with 423 votes.
Further uncontested races were Bluffton clerk-treasurer Michelle Simon and Bluffton Common Council members Chandler Gerber (District 1), Josh Hunt (District 2), Janella Stronczek (District 3), Scott Mentzer (District 4) and Sarah Reed (District 5). Of these candidates, all but Reed are incumbents.
holly@news-banner.com
