**UPDATE: Feb. 16, 2023
In the original version of the story below, the race for Madison County Municipal Court judge was included in the list of races set to appear on the May primary election ballot. It was noted that no one had filed petitions for the race.
Today, the Madison County Board of Elections contacted the Madison Messenger with a clarification regarding the race for municipal court judge. Madison County is one of 18 counties in Ohio that has an Aug. 9 deadline for individuals to file petitions for candidacy for the municipal court judge position. The race will not appear on the May primary ballot. It will appear only on the November general election ballot.
(Yesterday’s story has been updated accordingly.)
(Posted Feb. 15, 2023)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
The Madison County Board of Elections (BOE) recently certified candidates and issues for the May 2 primary election ballot. Of note, no petitions were filed for four of the London city council seats up for election.
City of London races
The following Republican candidates were certified for city of London races. No Democrats filed for candidacy.
London mayor (four-year term)–Patrick J. Closser and Henry N. Comer will face each other in the primary. The BOE rejected a petition filed by Donald Brent McDaniels. The petition was not filled out completely, according to Abby Metheney, BOE director.
London council president (two-year term)–Joshua E. Peters is running unopposed.
London council members at-large (two-year terms)–Three at-large seats are up for election. One candidate filed, John J. Stahl.
London council Ward 1 (two-year term)–Andrew A. Hitt is running unopposed.
London council Ward 2 (two-year term)–Richard Hays is running unopposed.
London council Ward 3 (two-year term)–No one filed for this seat.
London council Ward 4 (two-year term)–No one filed for this seat.
London auditor (four-year term)–Kenna Combs is running unopposed.
London law director (four-year term)–Jennifer J. Hitt is running unopposed.
West Jefferson mayor’s race
Michael Conway and Ray Martin filed petitions to run for West Jefferson mayor (four-year term). The village’s charter requires three or more candidates to file in order for the mayor’s race to appear on the primary ballot. So, Conway and Martin will appear on the Nov. 7 general election ballot instead.
Deadline for independent candidates
Independent candidates have until 4 p.m. May 1 to file petitions with the BOE to appear on the Nov. 8 general election ballot. Call the BOE at (740) 852-9424 for more information about which races qualify.
Issues
The following issues will appear on the May 2 ballot:
• Jefferson Township–The fire department is seeking an additional tax levy of 3.5 mills for a continuing period of time for operational expenses.
• City of London–The city is seeking a 0.25 percent income tax increase to provide additional funding for the fire and EMS department.
• Madison-Plains Local Schools–The school district is seeking a $63 million bond levy to construct a new school to serve students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The term of the bond is 37 years with first collection scheduled for 2024.
• Liquor Option for the Plain City West precinct–Mi Sombrero Express Inc., 900 Village Blvd., Plain City, is seeking voter approval for Sunday sales of wine, mixed beverages, and spiritous liquors.
