Put-in-Bay mayor race a close call

PUT-IN-BAY — Jessica Dress was elected Put-in-Bay's mayor Tuesday, according to unofficial results.Dress, who's served as interim mayor since former mayor Bernard "Mac" McCann's departure in February 2019, defeated Judith Berry by a narrow margin — 56 to 50.Dress said she's not declaring total victory yet as election officials still have to tally provisional ballots. A voter is allowed to cast a provisional ballot if there's a question about that voter's eligibility, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.But Dress thanked everyone who came out to vote Tuesday. And if the results hold and she becomes mayor, Dress laid out some of her goals."For a very long time there's been an internal debate on the island if we continue to produce our own water or extend across the lake and tap into county service on the mainland," she said.Dress said there are a lot of unanswered questions, and money needs to be saved up to study the issue."The debate's been going on for 30 years and no one's settled the question," she said. "If I can get answers in the next three years that would be a huge accomplishment."Dress also discussed developing a long-term strategic plan for the village. She also discussed efforts to keep Put-in-Bay's police force of four full-time officers on the island.Put-in-Bay Mayor• Jessica Dress: 56• Judith Berry: 50Note: According to unofficial results. Reach reporter Brandon Addeo at brandonaddeo@sanduskyregister.com, follow him on Twitter @BrandonAddeo and follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterJessica Dress.