3 North Ridgeville Democrats, Republicans vie for three at-large seats

In November, voters will decide among three Democrats and three Republicans for three North Ridgeville City Council-At-Large seats.

Incumbent Kevin Corcoran was the highest vote getter in the Republican primary, in which voters picked three out of four Republicans to run for at-large seats.

Corcoran, 48, received 697 votes, while Martin Devries, 45, a business development officer at First Federal of Lakewood, came in second with 498 votes, according to unofficial results from the Lorain County Elections Board.

Michelle Hung, 46, a retired inventory manager at Motorcars Honda, was the third candidate to advance to November with 489 votes.

Incumbent Councilwoman-at-Large Bernadine Butkowski was eliminated with 423 votes.

“I’m very shocked in the results with Bernadine,” Hung said. “She was such an important part of this community and a good friend of mine. I don’t really know what to say.”

Democrats voters tapped Ray E. McLaughlin III with 299 votes, Jerry D. Armstrong with 293 votes and Lawrence S. Kamenec II with 232 votes.

Trim Demiri, 26, lost with 195 votes.

Corcoran said he is pleased with the results.

“It’s nice to see that people recognize and believe in all the good I am doing,” he said. “I’m surprised about the low turnout rate, but look forward to continuing my work in the city.”

Corcoran also was shocked by the May 2 results.

“It’s surprising to see Bernadine not moving on the November election,” he said. “She has dedicated her life to the city and it’s just really shocking what the results revealed.”

Devries said he was happy with his victory after he lost four years ago.

“We did pretty good work this time around and I am very proud, considering I did not move on four years ago,” he said. “I was pretty confident because I had help from family and friends. It was a good race and had some well qualified candidates.”

Hung said she looks forward for the chance to meet new people in the community.

“I’m happy and look forward to working with the community I love so much,” she said.

McLaughlin said he is thankful for the voters choosing him as the top vote-getter.

“I appreciate being the top vote-getter; it was very close,” he said. Kamenec also was pleased. “I feel good even though I am in third place,” he said. “I look forward to the general election results. Ray and I make a for a good ticket.”