Richland County will see at least one contested race in the May 3 primary.
Republicans Cliff Mears and David Morgenstern filed for county commissioner. The filing deadline was 4 pm Wednesday.
Mears will be seeking his second term. Morgenstern has unsuccessfully run for commissioner on six other occasions.
There will be at least two contested countywide races in November’s general election. The county will see a new domestic relations judge. Heather Cockley announced late last year that she would not seek another term.
Democrat Kirsten Pscholka-Gartner wants to take Republican Beth Owens in the general election. Pscholka-Gartner has been a magistrate in domestic relations court for more than 10 years. Owens works in the office of Attorney John Allen.
The other contested race will be for county auditor. Incumbent Pat Dropsey, who changed parties from Democrat to Republican about a year ago, will face Democratic challenger Christopher McDevitt.
Incumbents who remain unchallenged as of yet include Ohio Rep. Marilyn John, Common Pleas Judge Brent Robinson and Juvenile Court Judge Steve McKinley.
John, the former Shelby mayor and county commissioner, is going for a second term in the statehouse.
Robinson, former first assistant prosecutor, has been on the bench since 2014. McKinley has been judge since 2019.
The board of elections will meet at 10 am Tuesday to verify petitions and certify candidates to the ballot. The deadline for write-in candidates is 4 pm Feb 22.
Voters in several districts will see levy or bond issues on the May 3 ballot. Lucas is seeking a 9-mill bond issue for constructing and improving school facilities. It would be in place for 37 years.
Madison Local Schools has a 6.9-mill renewal levy on the ballot for current expenses. The levy would last five years.
Ontario Local Schools also is asking residents to approve a renewal levy. The 10-year levy is for 10.2 mills and is to avoid an operating deficit.
Plymouth-Shiloh Local Schools is seeking voter approval of a five-year, 3.9-mill levy to avoid an operating deficit.
Residents in the city of Mansfield will consider a 0.25% additional income tax to make capital improvements in the parks. The centerpiece would be a new swimming pool.
The village of Plymouth is seeking a 1-mill renewal levy for maintain and operate the village cemetery. The levy would be for five years.
mcaudill@gannett.com
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Twitter: @MNJCaudill
