Wellsburg has new mayor
By WARREN SCOTT, Staff writerWELLSBURG - The city of Wellsburg has a new mayor and three new council members following Tuesday's election.
Challenger Sue Simonetti emerged the winner of the mayor's race, defeating incumbent Wayne Campbell by a vote of 357-164.
All totals are unofficial until ballots are canvassed at 7 p.m. June 17 at Wellsburg City Hall.
Simonetti said she's proud to be the city's first woman mayor and thankful for the support she received from voters and her family and friends.
"I'm really looking forward to the challenges that face me. I'm anxious to get started," she said, adding her initial plans include establishing a Web site that could include the city's ordinances and other useful information, and with council's support, pursuit of a grant to beautify the city through improvements to sidewalks, curbs and other features.
Simonetti said the victory is somewhat a relief to her following an election race that had some ups and downs. She referred to the fact that Campbell had announced he would withdraw from the race following the April primary election, then reconsidered in recent weeks.
The election also decided races for seats representing the city's 1st and 4th wards.
In the 1st Ward race, Bruce Hunter defeated Raleigh Dean Mason by a 67-31 vote.
Hunter thanked voters for their support, adding, "I promise to do my best to represent them."
He said as councilman, he'll encourage the construction of a new Ohio River bridge south of the city and other transportation improvements and the city's expansion through the annexation of outlying areas.
Bill Smith was the winner of the 3rd Ward race, with 135 votes to the 30 received by Pamela Mason.
Smith said he took a low-key approach to running for the 3rd Ward seat but appreciates the support he received. He said disputes between city officials have too often taken precedence over city business, and he hopes to correct that.
Smith said disagreements may occur, but city officials should treat each other in a civil manner. He added he also will work to draw new businesses to the city.
Newcomer Bill Furioli was an unchallenged candidate for the 2nd Ward seat. Jerry Adams, who was appointed to the 4th Ward Council seat previously held by the late Julie Caldwell, became an unchallenged candidate also when his opponent, Marlene Shook, withdrew because she had moved from the ward. Shook's name still appeared on ballots, however, because she withdrew too late for it to be removed.
Also unchallenged in the election were Police Chief Stanley Kins and Collector-Treasurer Francine Kraus.
(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com)
