Shenigo, Old win big

SANDUSKY — Local voters kept the two incumbent Republican Erie County commissioners up for re-election — Matt Old and Pat Shenigo — in office, as each soundly defeated their Democratic opponents in Tuesday's election. Unofficial election results show: • For one seat, Shenigo eclipsed his opponent, attorney Leslie Murray, securing 59% of the total vote • For the other seat, Old, similarly, beat Sandusky government employee Marcus Harris, obtaining 61% of the total vote. Shenigo, first elected in 2008, and Old, first elected in 2016, both gained new four-year terms starting in January. They'll continue serving alongside the third county commissioner, Steve Shoffner, a fellow Republican. "There are no words to describe my gratitude to the residents of Erie County," Shenigo said. "I've worked hard over the last 16 years to put people over politics." He continued: "Residents had a stark choice in this election. They rejected the ways of the past, the out-of-state corporate interests and the attitude that government spending is the solution to every problem. Matt and I are committed to always putting taxpayers first. We will never sell our vote or make decisions based on political pressure." Old wholeheartedly agreed. "I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue serving as an Erie County commissioner. Voters saw more than $200,000, including $137,000 of 'dark money,' of ludicrous negative attacks directed at myself and commissioner Shenigo in this election. This result, undoubtedly, tells us what voters want from their government: fiscally responsible leadership that makes meaningful investments into the future of our community. Pat and I will continue our work to pay down Erie County's debt, lower costs for residents and make improvements to our infrastructure." Campaigning as a team, the pair highlighted what they called "great accomplishments" in county government, which included cutting debt by about $80 million and securing top-rated credit scores. This helps lower interest rates when paying for big projects with taxpayer funds. In addition, they touted record sales tax collections and visitor tax revenues and massive infrastructure projects. They helped secure funding for a massive road overhaul, which could reach $50 million, along U.S. 6. The federal grant totaled $24 million. It's among the highest federal awards in Ohio's history. They also implemented a one-year, $8 million tax cut for all Erie County property owners for next year. They received approval for a moratorium on collecting the county's share of property taxes from residents in 2025. Murray and Harris, also campaigning as a team, claimed they would be better stewards of taxpayer money and would always be transparent with voters — opinions both Shenigo and Old greatly disagreed with. The fall campaign became the most expensive local race in Erie County history. A Columbus-based Super PAC, which was unaffiliated with the Murray and Harris campaigns, spent at least $137,000 for the two Democrats. This race featured bitter attacks and counterattacks from both sides. For instance, the Sandusky State Theatre's work stoppage and cash shortfalls for a years-long repair and renovation project became a focal point of this campaign. Murray and Harris serve as two of the theater's board members. Erie County commission Seat 1 • Pat Shenigo: 22,215 • Leslie Murray: 15,429 Seat 2 • Matt Old: 22,797 • Marcus Harris: 14,787 Note: According to unofficial results Source: Erie County Board of Elections