COLUMBUS, Ohio – Tax issues on yesterday’s ballot found support among voters, with some exceptions.
Voter turnout was light, as expected, in an off-year election with no statewide races or issues on the ballot. The Franklin County Board of Elections reported slightly more than 153,000 voters went to the polls, a 19.4 percent turnout.
Columbus voters approved a package of four large bond issues that would not result in tax increases, but would provide funding for public safety, parks, streets and public utilities.
The $52.5 million bond issue for new police and fire equipment and facilities was approved by a margin of 54-30 percent. The $123.9 million bond parks and recreation bond issue, which would fund improvements to parks, swimming pools and bikepaths, won 60-26 percent. The bond issue which will raise $220.3 million for street, alleyway and bridge improvement was approved 58-27 percent. The $445.3 million bond for water and streetlight improvements passed by a 57-28 percent margin.
The three Democratic incumbents won reelection to Columbus City Council. Priscilla Tyson was the top vote-getter with 24 percent, followed by Eileen Paley (22%) and Troy Miller (21%).
Three of Ohio’s five major cities will have new mayors next year.
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson won a third term in office by defeating fellow Democrat Ken Lanci.
Former city councilman John Cranley has been elected to lead Cincinnati, defeating former mayor Roxanne Qualls.
City commissioner Nan Whaley defeated a former judge A.J. Wagner to win election as Dayton’s next mayor in the nonpartisan race.
A councilman who had the strong backing of labor unions has ousted Toledo’s current mayor. D. Michael Collins defeated Mayor Mike Bell, winning 57 percent of the vote.
Gahanna voters turned down an income tax hike for the second straight year by a margin of 54-46.
In Delaware County, voters in Berkshire Township voted to keep zoning in place for an outlet mall project.
Worthington’s library levy was approved by a solid 71-29 percent margin.
Fire services will continue in Buckeye Lake after voters approved a tax hike.