Election Night Triumph: Ralph Smith Claims Ward 3 Seat; Salt Rock Secures Levy Passage

Ralph Smith has secured victory in the Republican primary for the third ward City Council position, defeating the current officeholder Jason Schaber .

The Salt Rock Township fire and EMS levy has been approved.

In the primary election, the contest for the Ward 3 City Council position was the sole contested council race. Smith emerged victorious with 110 votes from a total of 172, which represents 64% of the ballots cast.

After his term concludes in December, Schaber won’t remain on the City Council anymore.

Shaber and Smith were the sole contenders to submit their names for the position, which means Smith will not encounter any competition in the upcoming November general election.

Smith stated on Tuesday evening that his primary concentration will be Third Ward. As they put it, 'third ward first,' borrowing a phrase from Trump. However, this doesn’t mean the previous person neglected their duties entirely; rather, they weren't carried out as effectively as they could have been.

As the representative of the ward, Smith stated he wants to focus on residential dilapidation, thoroughfare enhancements, and budget-friendly homes.

"I really thank the voters of Third Ward for electing me and I will do my very very best to meet their expectations," Smith said.

Schaber said he was "at peace" with the results and congratulated Smith on winning, adding he hopes Smith represents the ward and not just the Republican Party.

"I believe it came down to not my opponent, Mr. Smith and his excellent qualities that pulled out all these votes that resulted in me losing," Schaber said. "I believe it was the local Republican Party at masses got behind this individual and they drove out voters, which led to Ralph winning."

Schaber referenced the city's financial situation and outstanding audits and said with his remaining time on City Council, he hopes to use his experience to "set the city up for success."

Salt Rock Township levy

The Salt Rock Township approved its levy with a vote of 38 to 16, which represents approximately 70% of the total votes cast.

The levy will to go toward supporting fire and EMS services , which recently were taken over by the township. After the levy failed to pass in 2024 by three votes, this time township officials hoped to better inform voters of what the levy was for.

The 2.5 mills levy will collect an estimated $67,000 annually. It will cost residents $59 for property valued at $100,000.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Election: Ralph Smith wins Ward 3 seat over incumbent, Salt rock passes levy