Athens County residents voted in favor of incumbent Tommy Adkins and first-time candidate Steve Pierson on Tuesday, defeating incumbent Brian Baker and other first-time candidate Ronnie Ervin.
Adkins and Pierson received the same number of votes, 931, while Baker and Ervin received 782 and 704, respectively.
Being the first time he ran for trustee, Pierson, who is also the Nelsonville city code enforcement director, said he didn’t know what to expect out of the election.
“I’m very excited,” Pierson said after winning. “I’m really glad to be able to serve the people of Athens Township.”
Adkins, who has served as a trustee for 19 years, said he is glad to be able to continue working with “the best employees you can find” for the next four years.
“I always treat (my employees) as I want to be treated,” Adkins said. “I trust them, and they are very respectful. It’s very pleasant to work with them.”
Despite not being elected, Ervin wasn’t bitter about his defeat.
“There’s always the next one,” Ervin said. “After all these years living in this area, I always wanted to return the favor. I like this township and I love serving and taking care of people.”
Baker could not be reached for comment before press time.
Ted Linscott, the third township trustee who was not up for re-election, said that as a trustee, there is no clean slate.
“With four-year terms and two years of overlap, total turnover happens usually every two years,” Linscott said.
Composed of three trustees including one fiscal officer, the trustees are responsible for the maintenance of the roads, setting budgets and taking care of facilities in Athens, Linscott said.
“We also take care of snow and are also in charge of the executive board of volunteer fire department,” Linscott said.
As a new trustee, Pierson said his first order of business is keeping his campaign promises, like “negotiating with city council about sewer extension and wellhead protection in the township.”
“I also want to take advantage of being able to work with Mr. Adkins, who is an expert on this area and learn the process and procedure of the job,” Pierson said.
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