Challenger candidate Robert Lipker captured 27 percent of the total vote Tuesday and a seat on Ironton City Council, displacing incumbent Mary Lee Kennedy.

Wednesday, November 03, 1999

Challenger candidate Robert Lipker captured 27 percent of the total vote Tuesday and a seat on Ironton City Council, displacing incumbent Mary Lee Kennedy.

Mrs. Kennedy finished with only 1,458 votes of the total 7,594 cast in the city, leaving her to finish fourth with only three seats available. This defeat comes on the heels of accusations that Mrs. Kennedy tampered with absentee ballots. The incident is currently under investigation.

When the votes were counted, Lipker moved to second, leaving current council chairman Jesse Roberts with the majority at 27.6 percent of the total votes cast.

City charter dictates majority voteholders are named vice-mayor every two years. Roberts will give up that position in January to council member Jim Tordiff, but this year’s election result ensures he will reclaim the title in January of 2002.

Lipker, however, said now is not the time to worry about how or why he earned the council seat, but rather to learn what needs to be done so he will be ready in January.

"It feels pretty good now that the votes are counted," said Lipker, who finished with 2,035 total votes. "I want to get involved in committees, but right now I need to sit back and learn so I’ll be ready to go."

Roberts, who pulled ahead with the last two precinct returns, finished with a total of 2,097 votes.

"I’m thankful once again for the votes and support of the citizens of Ironton," Roberts said. "I think the voters of Ironton were wise in their decision to keep a progressive team intact for the citizens and I look forward to continuing to work with Councilman (Joe) Black and Mayor Bob Cleary, who were both also re-elected, for the betterment of the city."

Incumbent candidate Joe Black finished third with 2,004 votes, giving him 26 percent of the total.

Black, who currently serves as chairman of Ironton City Council’s finance committee, said he appreciates the continued voter support and looks forward to the work ahead.

"I’m glad to have another opportunity to serve the citizens of Ironton," Black said. "I’m looking forward to my second term."

With the new millennium approaching, all newly appointed or re-appointed council members said they will focus on the city’s financial well-being and economic growth into the coming year and beyond.