Voters retain Ebert as mayor; newcomer Abbott wins one of three council seats

ThisWeek CW 11/09/2011

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/2011/11/08/races/canal-winchester-city-races.html

Canal Winchester re-elected Mayor Michael Ebert for another four-year term Nov. 8, choosing him over challenger John Bender.

According to the unofficial tally from the Franklin County Board of Election, incumbent Ebert received 2,013 votes for  74.03 percent, while Bender received 706 votes for 25.97 percent.

In Fairfield County, Ebert received 248 votes (78.73 percent) and Bender  received 67 votes (21.27 percent.)

“Obviously, I’m happy as I’ve worked very hard the last four years after coming into this position with the worst economy in 70 years,” Ebert said  Tuesday night. “The whole staff at the city has worked very hard and we’ll continue to do what the people of Canal Winchester expect of us. I am very happy that I can serve the city for another four years.”

Voters also elected three city council members from among a field of five.
Newcomer Joe Abbott garnered the most votes, with 1,664 (26.96 percent) in Franklin County and 196 votes (27.57 percent) in Fairfield County.

The next two top vote-getters in Franklin County were incumbents Rick Deeds, with 1,265 votes (20.49 percent) and Marilyn Rush-Ekelberry, with 1,168 votes (18.92 percent), according to unofficial results.
Incumbent James Wynkoop received 1,060 votes (17.17 percent) and Patrick Lynch received 1,016 votes (16.46 percent).

In Fairfield County, Deeds received 143 votes (20.11 percent), Lynch received 110 vote (15.47 percent), Rush-Ekelberry received 134 votes (18.85 percent) and Wynkoop received 128 votes (18 percent.)

Also Tuesday, according to unofficial election results, residents will now be able to purchase alcohol at Hidden Lakes Vineyards, 650 Winchester Pike, after voters approved weekday sales of alcohol at Hidden Lakes Vineyards and Winery, 650 Winchester Pike, by a vote of 119 in favor to 42 against or 73.91 percent to 26.09 percent.

Voters also approved a local liquor option for Sunday sales of alcohol between 10 a.m. and midnight at Village Wines, 10 S. High St. The unofficial tally was 313 votes, or 80.88 percent in favor, and 74 votes or 19.12 percent against.