Shenigo soundly defeats Farrar in Democratic primary

PERKINS TWP. — For the fourth time in as many opportunities, Erie County voters entrusted Pat Shenigo to serve as their county commissioner. Shenigo won Tuesday's Democratic primary in convincing fashion, obtaining 62 percent of the total vote. All results are unofficial. He delivered a political thrashing to his opponent, Julie Farrar, who previously served on Sandusky's school board and city commission. Shenigo is virtually a shoo-in to lock up a fourth consecutive four-year term, starting in 2021, because he doesn't face an opponent, namely in the form of a Republican challenger, for November's general election. "I'd like to thank my family, friends and all the Erie County residents who supported me in this election," said Shenigo, whose new term starts in January and extends through 2024. "I have always worked hard and tried my best keeping the betterment of our community first and foremost in my mind. Thank you for the honor and privilege to serve you all." In his 12 years as commissioner, Shenigo has spearheaded many initiatives benefiting the community. They include: • Advocating for the NASA Plum Brook Station • Leading a movement for drug recovery and creating the Circle of Care, which offers avenues for people to get and remain sober • Reining in the county's debt; Debt dropped from $116 million in 2008, the year voters first elected Shenigo, to about $63 million today. • Turning around landfill operations, which became profitable after losing money annually for many years • Implementing many other cost-cutting measures, which have reduced the county's debt and other financial obligations • Brokering deals with area executives to build the indoor Cedar Point Sports Center and the outdoor Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center • Pushing forward with a $21 million taxpayers' lawsuit in hopes of fixing a severely flawed water line system; Work occurred in the early 2000s, before Shenigo took office. • Playing a pivotal role in the long battle between Erie MetroParks and area residents entangled in the Huron River Greenway saga; Shenigo worked with landowners and lawyers to end, what many believed, would be endless litigation that could have bankrupted Erie MetroParks. The resolution not only saved the district but avoided a $2 million estimated legal payout taxpayers would have fronted. Democratic Primary for Erie County commissioner • Pat Shenigo: 4,023 • Julie Farrar: 2,493 Note: According to unofficial results