Mayor J. Kevin Jones enters fourth term; Incumbent Robert Barrett unofficially ousted


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MOUNT CARMEL - Longtime Republican Mayor John Kevin Jones faced opposition in Tuesday's election for the first time since 2001 election, but he easily won a fourth term.

"I appreciate the support of the people of Mount Carmel," said Jones by phone while celebrating at the Lithuanian Social Club on South Oak Street. "I am always humbled when I get a nice vote from the people around me." Jones, who captured 874 votes (63.33 percent), was opposed by Democratic newcomer Heather Gusky, who had 502 votes (36.38 percent).

In what was a surprise to some, incumbent Robert Barrett was defeated for re-election, according to the unofficial returns. Barrett not only had a Democratic nomination, but a Republican one as well, earned through write-in votes in the primary.

That leaves three newcomers and incumbent Council President Anthony Matulewicz III as the four winners. Matulewicz had 908 votes, followed by Clem Plisiewicz, 894; Edward Fegley, 723; and Robert Shirmer, 715. Barrett finished fifth with 633.

Matulewicz and Shirmer had both Democratic and Republican nominations. Fegley is a Democrat, and Plisiewicz a Republican.

When contacted about the results, Barrett explained commented that said he had heard different results from the county board of elections and chose not to comment until "the dust settles."

"If I did lose, I gave it my best shot," he said.

For tax collector, Christopher Grayson, who ran unopposed, received 1,191 (99.67 percent) of the votes.

For the two auditor positions, Joseph A. Zanella and Karen Eby received 479 and 362 votes respectfully.







1 posted comments

I understand that staff writers may be under pressure, but please, for the sake of your readers, use spellcheck and proofread your copy before it is printed. In this article, check paragraph 6: "Barrett explained commented that said he had heard..". Also, in the last line, it is "respectively", not "respectfully".
annoyed reader 11/04/09 09:24

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