SAVANNAH — In a Savannah mayor race one candidate characterized as a “dogfight,” 27-year veteran mayor Thomas Kruse came out on top.
Kruse beat opponent Doug Yoho, formerly a Savannah village council member.
Final, unofficial results from the Ashland County Board of Elections show Kruse taking home 57.5% of the 160 votes cast.
That comes out to 92 votes for Kruse. Yoho, his opponent, earned 42.5% of the vote, or 68 votes.
“I’m honored that the electors have elected me to serve another term as mayor,” Kruse said on Tuesday night. “It’s reassuring to know that people have noticed what we’ve done to better the village of Savannah.”
Kruse emphasized his work on the city’s infrastructure in previous conversations with Ashland Source.
He said a sidewalk project that would make the village walkable tops the list of his priorities during his new term.
“Experience matters, and I’m excited to lead the village for another four years,” Kruse said. “I think continuity matters.”
Still, Kruse said he looks forward to working with new members elected to Savannah’s village council Tuesday night. The results from the Ashland County Board of Elections shows Holly Farr and Sarah McBride winning seats.
Kruse spent his night at home taking calls from friends and family members congratulating him on his win.
“I’m delighted to hear from so many people that they’re excited I’ve won,” Kruse said.
This independent, local reporting provided by our Report for America Corps members is brought to you in part by the generous support of the Ashland County Community Foundation.