COAL GROVE – Village council’s lone incumbent and a former member will take their seats at village hall in January.

Thursday, November 04, 1999

COAL GROVE – Village council’s lone incumbent and a former member will take their seats at village hall in January.

Frederick Phillip Roush won re-election to council with 446 votes. John M. Aldridge Jr. won the open seat with 420 votes. Candidate Jesse Suiter received 314 votes.

Donnie Klaiber was a write-in candidate who received 57 votes.

"I’m real pleased, and look forward to serving the people of our village for the next four years," Roush said.

Slightly surprised to be the top vote-getter, Roush thanked Coal Grove residents for their vote of confidence.

Aldridge also was pleased with the clean race among political friends, he said.

"This coming year, we’re just going to take our place on the council and work," Aldridge said. "We’ve got a lot of things to do and capable people to work with."

Roush, 44, has lived all his life in the village, except for a few years, and has been a small business manager for 25 years. He also has served as a volunteer village fireman for 25 years.

He replaced resigning council member Sue Carey a year and a half ago and currently holds that position. He also served a four-year term from 1993 to 1997.

"I enjoy serving the people of the village and appreciate the support they have given me," Roush said. "I knew I had a good chance but I didn’t know I’d be the number one."

Roush wants to use his next term in office to stay on top of village services – like garbage, water, sewer, fire protection and police, he said.

Roush also pledged to use his business experience and desire to make sure someone works positively for the community.

Aldridge, 56, is a Coal Grove native and served as councilman two terms ago.

"I can say I have been a councilman in two different millennia," he said.

Aldridge said he listens to constituents and will urge better communication with residents if elected. His priorities are in maintaining services, he said.

He said his priorities will center on that better communication, better village money management and maintaining effective utilities.

"I’d like to see the people of the village more involved at meetings to feel welcome," Aldridge said.

"And I’ve talked to the future mayor," he added. "We’ve worked together before and we will in the future."