Bainbridge elects new councilman, clerk-treasurer

BAINBRIDGE -- Among the results pouring into the Putnam County Courthouse Tuesday night were those deciding the fate of 10 political hopefuls in the town of Bainbridge.

Replacing Jason Hartman, who did not run in this year's race, will be Monica Bray (I) as clerk-treasurer.

Bray brought in 103 of 255 total-precinct votes (or 40.39 percent) to make her way into the position. Running against Bray were Bobbi Boller (I) and Pamela Kashman (I). Boller earned a total of 98 votes (38.43 percent) during Tuesday's election, followed by Kashman with 54 votes (21.18 percent).

Tuesday's biggest winner for a position on the town's three-person council was First Ward candidate Scott Curran (I).

Scott Curran took a total of 93 votes (or 38.27 percent) and was followed by incumbent candidate Chuck McElwee (I) in a close-second with 90 votes (37.04 percent). Raymond Curran (I) earned 60 of the 243 total votes (24.69 percent).

Newcomer Scott Curran said he's looking forward to listening to the town's needs as residents express "whatever is weighing on their hearts and minds."

"It's very exciting and there are going to be some challenges, I'm sure," Curran said. "But they'll be the good kind of challenges -- it's something I'm looking forward to.

"I'm (also) looking forward to working hard and continuing to grow through the town," Curran added. "(Election Day) isn't necessarily about the council, but (about) our town and our community. I want to make the people happy and have a town we're proud of."

Jerry Lents (I), who was appointed to the town board in July to replace Second Ward Councilwoman Bonnie Osborn, officially became a "councilman-elect" Tuesday when he earned 143 of the ward's 239 votes (or 59.83 percent), defeating Jim Watson (I) who totaled 96 votes (40.17 percent).

Incumbent Third Ward Councilman Joel Thompson will again be representing his district after earning 127 votes (or 52.05 percent) Tuesday, winning by 10 votes over former Second Ward Councilwoman Bonnie Osborn with 117 (47.95 percent).