Two write-in candidates want to be the next City of Ontario auditor in the Nov. 4 election, according to the Richland County Board of Elections.
And three candidates want to fill the council at-large seats left vacant by Kyle Webb, who relocated to Knox County to be closer to his employer, and two other vacant seats, those of Troy Sapp and Dave Rehfeldt, whose terms expired.
The candidates for auditor are Shannon Gongwer and Logan Hull.
Kimberly Blevins withdrew from the race on Oct. 1, she told the News Journal. As of Oct. 2, the Richland County Board of Elections did not officially have her withdrawal.
Gongwer said she is seeking the auditor position to provide the City of Ontario qualified accountability and compliance on the use of taxpayer dollars.
“I have been an office manager for the last 24 years with experience in the following: Financing including banking, budgeting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable; and managing the day-to-day operations of a church/school office as well as a household of four children,” she said.
Hull said he has called Ontario home since 2018, graduating from Ontario High School before earning his associate’s degree in cybersecurity from North Central State College.
“I’m seeking this role as a way to serve my community and bring accountability and a fresh outlook to the (Ontario) auditor’s office,” Hull said.
The new auditor, whose term will commence Jan. 1, 2026 and end Dec. 31, 2029, will replace Mary Ann Hellinger, who retired in March 2025.
Three seek Ontario Council At-Large seat
Candidates for the open council at-large seat are: Brennen Finfgeld, a Democrat; Richard Pauley, a write-in candidate; and A.J. Roll, a Republican.
The term of the council seat is Jan. 1, 20026 to Dec. 31, 2029.
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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Voters to decide next Ontario auditor, 3 council at-large seats
Reporting by Lou Whitmire, Mansfield News Journal / Mansfield News Journal
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