by Logan Andrew | FreeWire Magazine — Your News, Your Voice
Crawford County Elects New Leaders, Rejects Bucyrus Income Tax
BUCYRUS — Voters across Crawford County made their voices heard Tuesday night in the 2025 General Election, delivering decisive wins for several local candidates and weighing in on school levies, tax proposals, and council races across the county.
Final unofficial results from the Crawford County Board of Elections show 6,584 ballots cast out of 28,304 registered voters, for a turnout of 23.26 percent. While voter participation remained modest, many races reflected clear community sentiment — especially in Bucyrus, where voters rejected the proposed income-tax increase, and in Galion, where voters approved a new school levy.
Bucyrus City Council and Administration
In Bucyrus, Kevin S. Myers was elected Council President, demolishing Greg White by an almost 2 to 1 margin. Adrienne Kemery ran unopposed for City Treasurer, and Brandon M. Gobrecht retained his post as Law Director with 100 percent of the vote.
At-large council seats went to James D. Mee, Robert E. Taylor, and Ray Thitoff, while ward contests also brought in new faces:
- Christopher Mauritz (Ward 1) – 195 votes (unopposed)
- Allison LeClair (Ward 2) – 287 votes (65 %)
- Terry L. Spiegel (Ward 3) – defeated Gary Daiber with 71 % as a write-in
- Cody Thomas Scott (Ward 4) – 291 votes (unopposed)
Candidate Reactions
Council President-Elect Kevin Myers expressed gratitude and optimism about the next chapter for Bucyrus:
“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to lead the next council, and hopeful we can work together to not only bring respect and civility back to council chambers, as well as trust back to our city government, but also work to attract employers to invest in our community, and bring more affordable housing. Together, we can all work to get Bucyrus back to business.”
Ward 2 Councilwoman Allison LeClair, newly elected to her first full term, said she hopes to earn the trust of all residents:
“I just want to thank everyone who voted for me, and for those who didn’t, I hope I can prove to you that I have Bucyrus’s best interest at heart and want to make changes for the better of the town and its citizens.”
Robert E. Taylor, one of the three successful at-large candidates, told FreeWire:
“I would like to thank everyone who supported and voted for me. Congratulations to all the candidates who were also elected. A round of applause for those who were candidates but not elected, because it does take gumption to even put yourself out there. My goal is to put my best foot forward and help bring common sense and efficiency to our local government. I believe the voters have selected a solid team that can operate in a less hostile and contentious environment, one that will work towards a more prosperous community for everyone.”
Ray Thitoff, also newly elected at-large, expressed enthusiasm for what’s ahead:
“First of all, I want to thank everyone for their votes and support these last few months. It was a very exciting time and I loved every minute. I can’t wait to get busy putting our city back on track. I will do my best to serve the citizens of Bucyrus. I look forward to working with everyone. There’s nowhere to go but up! Thanks again.”
James D. Mee added a message of unity and gratitude:
“A big thank you to everyone that came out and voted, no matter if you voted for me or not. What’s important is that you took a minute out of your life to care about the city of Bucyrus — thanks to one and all. Have a great day.”
Cody Thomas Scott, who at 22 is believed to be the youngest elected official in Crawford County history, shared his appreciation:
“I am honored to serve the citizens of Bucyrus. I would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support. I especially want to give gratitude to those in Ward 4 for supporting me — I think good days are ahead for the City of Bucyrus.”
Alena T. Fox, who ran as a write-in for an at-large seat, reflected on her campaign and the city’s future:
“While the votes I received did not win an At-Large seat on Bucyrus City Council, I am proud of my short campaign and am inspired by the amount of support I got despite the many challenges of being a write-in candidate. The positive, hopeful comments from those who only recently learned more about my service, as well as the continued support from so many friends, has me hopeful for the future of the City of Bucyrus. Their support in such a short time shows me that we can do better. I wish the 2026-2027 Bucyrus City Council the very best and promise to continue being an active citizen attendee. Better Bucyrus!”
Bucyrus Ballot Issues
Voters narrowly rejected the city’s proposed income-tax measure, with 817 (47.25 %) voting “For” and 912 (52.75 %) “Against.” The defeat leaves city leaders facing difficult fiscal questions heading into 2026.
Meanwhile, Bucyrus residents in the 1A precinct approved the local-option liquor measure for the Wren's Nest, with 69 % voting “Yes.”
City of Galion
Brian C. Saterfield captured the Galion mayor’s office with nearly 40 percent of the vote in a crowded six-candidate field, succeeding long-time Mayor Tom O’Leary. Thomas G. Fellner was re-elected Council President, while Michael Christopher Bear won unopposed as Law Director and E. Roberta Wade as City Auditor.
Galion’s school-levy measure passed comfortably, 1,410 (60.88 %) to 906 (39.12 %), ensuring continued funding for district operations.
Crestline and Surrounding Communities
Crestline voters turned down the school-bond issue, 83 (68.6 %) against to 38 (31.4 %) for.
The Auburn Township Fire Levy passed with 70.59 % in favor, and Jackson Township’s levy was also approved unanimously by its small electorate.
Township and Village Highlights
Several township trustee races drew tight but decisive outcomes:
- Bucyrus Township Trustees: J. D. Hord (50.3 %), Charles Grau (49.7 %)
- Bucyrus Township Fiscal Officer: Angela C. Lilly (59.7 %) over Brittany Workman (40.3 %)
- Dallas Township Trustees: William A. Wert (54.8 %) over Timothy J. Frost (45.2 %)
- Liberty Township Trustees: Mark Schimpf (53.6 %) over Alan Leonhardt (46.4 %)
- Lykens Township Trustees: Chad L. Gebhardt (54.3 %) over Brian Shupp (45.7 %)
- Holmes Township Trustees: Bill Scott (52.3 %) over Ron E. Miller (47.7 %)
Education Boards County-Wide
- Bucyrus City Schools: Chad Redmon (51.9 %) and Jenna Bollinger (48.1 %) elected; Morgan R. Jones won the unexpired term.
- Colonel Crawford: Scott C. Rike (35.36 %), Gordon C. Grove (34.1 %), and Jason Fankhauser (30.54 %) elected.
- Wynford Local: Levi Hartschuh (46.5 %) and Matthew T. Stahl (46.3 %).
- Buckeye Central: Adam Dallas (27.9 %) led the field.
- Galion City Schools: Issee Scott Strickler (56.7 %) over Michael E. Mateer (43.3 %).
- Crestline Exempted Village: Robyn L. Almanson (35.4 %), Clayton Herold (34.6 %), and Molly Belick (30.1 %).
County-Wide Takeaway
Countywide, voters emphasized stability in local leadership while signaling caution on new tax initiatives. Most incumbents or uncontested candidates retained their seats, and the overall tone of the night was one of cautious optimism among newly elected officials.
Editor’s Note:
These results are unofficial and will be certified by the Crawford County Board of Elections later this month. FreeWire will update this article with additional candidate statements as they are received.
