Todd Pettit defeats longtime incumbent in Mad River Twp. trustee race, unofficial results say

Longtime Mad River Twp. Trustee Kathy Estep was defeated Tuesday night by challenger Todd Pettit, according to unofficial election results by the Clark County Board of Elections.

The results showed Pettit came out ahead with about 54% of the vote. Estep finished with close to 46%.

Pettit nor Estep could be reached for comment on Tuesday night.

MORE: Incumbent, challenger set to face off for Mad River Twp. trustee seat

Pettit did make a few promises on social media about a week before election day about what he planned on doing if elected.

“I hope to be able to work with my fellow trustees on a one, five and ten-year plan that will allow us to be prepared for supporting the community needs,” Pettit said. “As part of the planning, I would work with all of the stakeholders which are not limited to the three trustees, but the Village of Enon Council, Greenon Local Schools and the citizens who make all of the services possible.”

The election caps off a tough year for the township that saw more than a dozen firefighters resign following the discovery by this news organization that a former fire lieutenant had previously been accused of sexual misconduct.

MORE: Copeland leading Springfield mayor’s race in early, absentee voting

The discovery led the trustee to hire an outside consulting firm to conduct an investigation into the hiring of the lieutenant. The investigation ultimately found no wrongdoing on the part of the department leadership. As a result, 12 experienced firehouse employees resigned at a trustee meeting.

Several other fire employees resigned prior to the meeting. Pettit previously said he hoped to address issues at the firehouse if given a chance as an elected official.

“I don’t understand it,” Pettit said. “If half your department walks out there has to be a problem. I think they need to do something. I haven’t seen anything that they’ve done differently to try to rectify the problem. That is one thing to I will get after and try to resolve the issues.”

He said in the recent post that the fire department will be a priority.

“Continue to provide funding for updated equipment and provide training opportunities for the members and administrators. Assure that the most qualified individuals possible are hired and supported as members of the department,” he said.

About the Author