VIENNA - Four incumbents and a new member were elected to Vienna City Council, according to the unofficial results from Tuesday's general election.
Incumbents Roger Bibbee, Jim Miracle, Bruce Rogers and Paul Thornton won re-election with newcomer Steve Stephens, retired police chief, joining them.
"I felt pretty honored," Stephens said. "I'm looking forward to going in and learning the ropes with city council and providing improved services to the citizens of Vienna."
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Photo by Jeff Baughan
Vienna city councilman elect Steve Stephens chats at the Wood County Courthouse Tuesday.
Stephens said he spent most of the night gathering his election signs, but did go to the courthouse where candidates traditionally wait for the returns to be counted.
"It was my first time down at the courthouse (waiting to be elected)," he said. "I really appreciate them (citizens of Vienna) trusting me with their votes and I won't let them down."
Thornton said he plans to continue to work on the finances of the city. He said he wants to keep the city's budget balanced, as council has done for the last four years.
"I'm looking forward to serving another term on council," he said. "I'm anxious to get back to work for the citizens of Vienna."
Thornton said he is appreciative of the support shown by the city, and was glad to see there were many people who showed up to vote.
"Lots of people went to the polls," he said. "That's what our country is founded on; voting and choices."
Bibbee will continue to be a liaison for the fire department. He said he would like to continue to focus on moving the city forward with new things.
"We need to continue to improve roads," he said.
Cathy Smith ran unopposed for city recorder.
Miracle said he is happy to be re-elected.
"If the citizens want me back," he said. "The election results will tell."
Rogers said he will concentrate on updating equipment and technology.
"Water tanks need to be revitalized and some need replaced," he said. "Street maintenance needs continued on a regular basis and public safety must always remain in the forefront."
Rogers said he is also looking forward to the dedication of the senior center renovations in December.
The unofficial numbers for Vienna's council seats included Thornton receiving the most votes with 2,601 or 14.17 percent. Stephens received 2,523 or 13.75 percent. Rogers came in third with 1,912 or 10.42 percent. Bibbee received 1,878 votes and 10.23 percent while Miracle received 1,705 votes or 9.29 percent.
Of the other candidates, Mike Elam received 1,480 votes, Roger Conley received 1,287, Jim Asbury received 1,121 votes, Dave Cyrus received 1,011, Larry Godfrey received 976, Jim Sims received 769, Matthew Whited received 622 and Jack Heater received 461.
