Voters select Wadsworth Council Ward 1, Ward 3, and Ward 4 seats

WADSWORTH — In Tuesday's general election, challenger Mike Reese, incumbent Jeanne Hines and challenger Angela May were elected to the Ward 1, 3, and 4 Wadsworth City Council seats, respectively. Ward 1 Reese, a Democrat, was elected to the Ward 1 seat on Wadsworth City Council with 592 votes, or 54.97 percent of voters. Reese beat incumbent Ralph Copley, a Republican, who had 485 votes, or 45.03 percent of voters. "I'm still a little in shock because we worked really hard on this election," Reese said. "I am really thankful for my family; they have supported me throughout the whole ordeal. They have been my biggest supporters." He thanked everyone who helped with his campaign and voted for him. Reese said that he and the community have a lot of respect for Copley. "I really like the guy; he is a good guy," Reese said. "We might disagree politically on certain things, but I have much respect for him. He has been a great public servant." Copley said it has been an honor to serve the residents of Ward 1 and the city over the past 12 years on Council. "With the election results now in, I can officially retire from public service after 42 wonderful years," he said. "It has truly been a privilege to work on behalf of our community." Ward 3 Hines, a Republican, was reelected to the Ward 3 seat on Wadsworth City Council with 382 votes, or 50.33 percent of voters. Hines beat John Allen Schulze, a Democrat, who had 377 votes, or 49.67 percent of voters. Hines said she was excited to continue serving the city. "I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted for me in the city council election," Hines said. "Your confidence, support and prayers mean so much. I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve our community, and I will work hard to represent all citizens with integrity and dedication. It is truly a blessing to serve the people of Wadsworth." Schulze thanked the voters and everyone who helped bring his campaign to life. He also thanked Hines for the race she ran. "In loss I can say that, while it was not the outcome I was expecting, this outcome tells me that Wadsworth's outlook has never been greater so long as citizens continue to hold City Hall to account at the ballot box," Schulze said. "Go Grizzlies." Ward 4 Angela "Gie" May, a Democrat, was elected to the Ward 4 seat on Wadsworth City Council with 450 votes, or 50.51 percent of voters. May beat incumbent David Parish, a Republican, who had 441 votes, or 49.49 percent of voters. "Thank you to everyone who has supported me in this race; to my amazing campaign team; to everyone who told a friend, took a sign, or showed up to make sure their vote was counted," May said. "I could not have done this without each and every one of you. You have put City Council on notice that you are paying attention." May said voters have shown that they care about Wadsworth, and that they care more about Citylink and parks than they do about a party indicator behind someone's name. "I can't promise I'm going to win every fight, but I can promise that I'm going to fight for you and for Wadsworth," May said. "We are a city unmatched, and we stay that way by building strong community, city infrastructure, and protecting our gathering spaces. I am Angela 'Gie' May for Ward 4, and I look forward to serving as your City Council person." Parish said May was really passionate about campaigning and worked hard at it. "If (May) works that hard at it, they'll be a good councilperson," Parish said. "Thank you for letting me serve Wadsworth for the last two years, and I am hoping I made it a better place." Contact reporter Patrick Rhonemus at (330) 721–4050 or prhonemus@medina-gazette.com.