ELECTION 2017

Downingtown, Parkesburg mayors beat back challengers; Oxford elects new mayor in open race

HERRIN ELECTED AS WEST CHESTER MAYOR

WEST CHESTER » Energy efficiency consultant Dianne Herrin overwhelmingly defeated Realtor Tommy Ciccarone Jr. in Tuesday’s election and will become the borough’s next mayor.

With all but one precinct counted, Herrin, a Democrat, collected 1,863 votes, or 72 percent of the vote, while Republican Ciccarone finished with a tally of 700 votes for 27 percent.

All vote totals are unofficial until certified by the county board of elections.

Herrin will take over the reins from Mayor Jordan Norley, who decided not to run.

This was Herrin’s first run for an elected office.

“I really am very thankful for all the support the voters have given me,” Herrin said, after the results were posted. “I’m really looking forward to working for the people of West Chester.”

During her candidacy, Herrin had listed five planks in her platform.

She wants to advance quality of life, protect economic vitality, protect history, bring people together to solve issues and “celebrate West Chester’s greatness.”

“I want to work on renewable energy goals and self-sufficiency by 2050,” she said.

Herrin would also like to improve the relationship between

the borough and West Chester University, and support the police department and its community relationships.

She said she would also address parking issues.

Ciccarone had hoped to lead a continued effort to clean and maintain the high traffic and ancillary areas, including sidewalks, in the borough.

He said that while the mayor’s role is not directly impacted by work on the Mosteller Building, he’d like to see the project completed by the end of his first four-year term.

Downingtown

Downingtown Mayor Josh Maxwell, serving as the borough’s mayor since 2010, defeated Adrian Martinez with about 60 percent of the votes. Maxwell, a Democrat became Downingtown’s youngest mayor in its history at the age of 26. Republican Martinez is a civic leader, businessman and artist. The mayor is responsible for overseeing the Downingtown Police Department that operates in Downingtown Borough and East Caln Township. The mayor can votes as a tie-breaker in borough council meetings. Maxwell received 1,021 votes and Martinez received 687 votes.

Parkesburg

In a close race in Parkesburg, Democratic Mayor John Hagan held onto his seat as mayor by two votes, defeating Republican challenger Mel Keen 276 to 274.

Oxford

In Oxford, Lorraine Bell, who campaigned on being an effective liaison between the police and the community, defeated Oxford business owner Pam Benjamin for mayor. Bell, a Democrat earned 391 votes to Republican Benjamin’s 341. Bell will fill the shoes of longtime Mayor Geoff Henry.

Digital First Media staff writers Ginger Rae Dunbar and Chris Barber contributed to this report.

PETE BANNAN – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Campaign workers huddle under tents Tuesday outside the Mary Taylor House on Walnut Street in Ward 1 of West Chester on Election Day.