All three Republican candidates Jim Beckwith, Jeffrey Watson and Bill Fink secured spots on the November ballot, but the primary vote results may have surprised some people.
The challenger Fink secured more votes than incumbents Beckwith and Watson. Fink scored 504, Watson was second with 450 and Beckwith finished third with 444. There were 67 write-in votes for Tyrone Borough Council by Republican voters.
The newest member of Tyrone Borough Council led the way on the Democratic ballot as all four candidates made their way into the November Election.
Jennifer Bryan received 209 votes, incumbent Sharon Dannaway received 201 votes, Dan Meckes received 155 and John Thomas received 150.
“I am very happy,” said Fink. “I would like to think that someone is trying to tell somebody something with the results. I appreciate the support of the voters who voted for me and would like to thank all the voters whether they voted for me or not for taking part in our democracy.
“It was a real uplift for me,” Fink continued. “I was very humbled when the counts came in. It is a wonderful feeling to try and make a difference.”
When asked about the fall election, Fink said it should be tough.
“I think the candidates will have to work to get the people out to vote,” said Fink. “I encourage those who have not yet registered to vote to get registered.”
“I am very pleased with the results,” said Bryan, the leading Democratic vote getter. “I was disappointed in the voter turnout. I voted around 6 p.m. and was only the 27th Democratic in my precinct.
Bryan expects a tough fall campaign.
“With the three Republicans having a strong showing, the campaign could be tough,” said Bryan. “We all need to be prepared to speak on the issues.”
In Snyder Township, former supervisor Charles Diehl edged incumbent Ray Rodgers to secure the Republican nomination for the November election. Diehl received 145 votes, Rodgers was second with 132 votes and Bernard Sherwin received 99 votes.
“It was a very close race with 13 votes being the difference,” said Diehl. “I need to do some work this summer to get in this fall.”
Diehl is confident in his chances this fall.
“It will surprise me if enough Republicans cross over this fall,” said Diehl. “I will listen to the people. It is their township and they will decide what needs to be done.”
On the Democratic side, Joy Bickle was unopposed and received 120 votes.
Both Diehl and Bickle are in favor of zoning for Snyder Township, something that was opposed by sitting supervisor Ray Rodgers.
In Antis Township, former supervisor Bob Walker captured the Republican voting. Walker scored 331 votes, Dennis Himes Sr. was second with 250, Eric Kies was third with 110 votes and Scott Baldwin finished fourth with 61 votes.
Walker who did not seek re-election after a six-year term because of health reasons was given a clean bill of health from doctors before seeking the nomination.
There was not a Democrat on the Antis Township ballot.
