Aurora — Mayor Lynn McGill will serve a third term as mayor starting Jan. 1, 2010.
He was re-elected Nov. 4 with 2,457 votes to Councilman-at-Large John Kudley’s 1,597 and Ward 6 Councilman Tom Dreher’s 1,158, according to complete but unofficial totals from the Portage County Board of Elections.
In other candidate races in Aurora, Councilman-at-Large Joe Kastelic retained his seat with 2,205 votes to Brady Krebs’ 1,615 and Richard Duncan’s 703, and Ward 1 Councilman Jim Vaca beat Fred Rote 314 to 154.
McGill, 80, was first elected in 2001, while Kastelic, 53, has been a Councilman for 12 years and Vaca, 66, has served for 14 years.
McGill is a retired business executive, Kastelic is a Pepper Pike firefighter and Vaca is a retired meat cutter/manager for Heinen’s Supermarkets.
“I’m excited,” said McGill. “It’s been a wonderful last eight years. We’ve done a lot to correct problems in the city. With that behind us, we’ll try to accomplish some fun things.”
McGill said he believes the margin of victory was “a vote of confidence for me. I’m regenerated and ready for another four years.”
“I believe McGill’s 47 percent of the vote was less than he got last time, so I think that shows a lot of citizens wanted a change,” said Kudley.
“A three-person race is always tough. I want to thank the voters and my contributors; I really appreciate their support.”
Dreher cited a quote by one of his favorite football coaches — Vince Lombardi — in summing up his loss: “Show me a good loser and I’ll show you a loser.”
He thanked everyone who supported and assisted him, especially his campaign manager and treasurer.
Kastelic also thanked everyone who helped him get re-elected — his family, City Council and the voters.
“There will be challenges in the next four years, but Council and myself will face them,” he said.
Vaca said he’s ready to go another four years, and hopes to see more projects completed in his ward, including road repairs and storm sewer improvements.
“I’m content with my victory, and I look forward to doing what I’ve been doing.”
Ward 3 Councilman Carl Rausch and Ward 5 rep James Fisher ran without opposition, as did Board of Education incumbents Gerald Kohanski, Beverly Kuch and Pam Mehallis.
The turnout of voters countywide was 40.9 percent.