William Judge edges challenger in Barberton mayor primary; Loughry gets Tallmadge GOP nod

Democratic voters in Barberton decided to stick with experience Tuesday, choosing current Mayor William Judge to run for a fourth term against Republican Megann Eberhart in November.

The primary between Judge and 4th Ward Councilman Shaun Rocky Jaber was a close one, as the mayor's race four years ago against then-Councilwoman Carla Debevec was. The final unofficial count was 1,841 for Judge and 1,682 for Jaber.

In a statement after the vote, Judge said he believed voters came to the realization that good things were happening in the city after a tough period with the loss of Babcock & Wilcox and the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I think that the voters understood that there's a lot going on — a lot of positive things," he said. "I'm just honored and feel very privileged to represent the citizens in Barberton."

Jaber, in his remarks, complimented the mayor on his victory and conceded on social media.

"Congrats to the current mayor," Jaber said. "I wish him and his team the best in moving the city forward."

Jaber said mail and absentee ballots helped decide the race.

It was a race that became highly contentious between supporters of the two candidates and split the wider community.

Judge's supporters viewed him as a steady hand now into his 12th year as mayor.

Jaber gained wide support from individuals who felt Barberton was rebounding too slowly from B&W's 2018 move; the company's headquarters are now in Akron.

Judge's administration, however, has been able to cull large state and federal grants to fix roads and rebuild Wolf Creek Dam. Still, some residents felt the pace of improvement hasn't been fast enough.

Jaber leveraged a high-profile Facebook presence to garner support, criticize the city for its business recruitment efforts and publicize his interaction with the city's disaffected population. He donated his City Council pay to charity and vowed to do the same with his salary as mayor if elected.

Republican mayoral primary in Tallmadge: Loughry prevails

In Tallmadge, Mayor David Kline's decision not to run again after 13 years in the position left an opening too appealing for two Republicans and one Democratic not to seek.

The result was a primary contest between Republicans Adam Bozic and Dennis Loughry, both council members. Loughry emerged as the clear victor, and will face Democrat Carol Kilway, also a council member, in November.

Loughry received 56.8% of the Summit County vote, or 1,098 to 836, and prevailed 20 to 13 in the Portage County vote.

Loughry, now council president, emphasized his experience in economic development and his record of service in the community, and voters responded.

"I am extremely pleased with the results of today's election and very thankful for everyone who believes in me and our team's vision for our great city," Loughry said in a texted statement.

Bozic had concentrated on his military background and developing a rapport with voters.

In March 2022, both men voted against a zoning change that would have allowed a 124.3-acre residential project on a section of Mindale Farms in the city.

The $90 million Pulte Homes proposal would have led to 236 homes on the land and was widely opposed by a collective of residents. Since then, the city has been sued over the vote and a later one to eliminate the type of zoning to allow it.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Barberton Mayor Judge wins primary; Loughry prevails for Tallmadge GOP