Athens County voters continued to support Democratic candidates last night, and the race for county commissioner was no different. Incumbent Bill Theisen won overwhelmingly, defeating three opposing candidates.
Theisen carried 50 percent of the vote while Republican challenger Steven McVey and independent candidate Fred Weber II each had about 24 percent with independent Kenneth Willie winning about 3 percent.
Theisen could not be reached for comment last night, but said in a previous Post interview that he was proud of his experience and ability to get things done for the county and would work to help small businesses.
Weber, 64, who retired as the publisher of The Athens Messenger in February, said he plans to serve out his remaining three years as an Athens Township Trustee but does not think he will run for another elected office.
Willie did not campaign because several recent disasters caused his work with the Salvation Army to become too time consuming. However, he said he would consider another run for elected office.
One of his main goals had been to help local governments within Athens County, such as townships, receive more money instead of just the city of Athens and Ohio University.
McVey could not be reached for comment last night after repeated attempts.
Theisen's victory, along with fellow commissioner Mark Sullivan's, means all three commissioners will remain Democrats, the third commissioner being Democrat Lenny Eliason.
Weber said he thought it was important for him to bring a different perspective to the one party rule among the commissioners or I wouldn't have run. Willie also said the one party rule was not good for county government, stressing that local government should be nonpartisan.
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Matt Hutton
