Incumbents sweep against Lima council challengers

LIMA — For the second straight time, City Council President John Nixon bested former councilman Ray Magnus in a challenge for the job.

Nixon on Tuesday overwhelmingly won another four-year term, garnering 4,441 votes, 67 percent, to Magnus' 2,226 votes, according to unofficial results from the Allen County Board of Elections.

It was a night for incumbency. In the other two contested council races, 4th Ward Councilman Tom Tebben won re-election with 53 percent of the vote over a challenge from Rebecca Kreher, who ran her first race. Also, 2nd Ward Councilman Sam McLean won over challenger and former Councilman Zach Broshes; it was a landslide with McLean garnering nearly 72 percent of the vote.

Sixth Ward Councilman Derry Glenn was unopposed. Cleven Jones ran for the 8th Ward seat, but the council has eliminated the ward beginning Jan. 1.

Nixon joined City Council in 1990. He was appointed president in early 2007 when then council President Matt Huffman was elected to the Statehouse and ran for a full term later that year.

Nixon said his record has stood the test of time and voters.

“I have tried to do a good job, a straightforward job and an honest job,” Nixon said. “Voters have understood that, even with the challenges the city faces. I'm extremely grateful they gave me another opportunity to serve.”

Magnus congratulated Nixon on “running a good race” and said he hasn't given his future plans any thought. Magnus said he spent a total of $35 on the race.

“I didn't want to see the seat unopposed; to get more than 2,200 votes, it was well worth the money. It was the best $35 I've ever spent,” Magnus said. “I look forward to keeping an eye on him the next four years and see he does right by the citizens of Lima.”

In 2007, Magnus, then serving as 1st Ward councilman, challenged Nixon when he ran for a full term. While that campaign was rowdy, hotly contested and expensive (the two each spent more than $30,000), Nixon beat Magnus handily, 65 percent to 35 percent. This campaign was quiet in comparison, with little fire generated between the two men.

Lima voter Allan Hall supported Nixon, saying he had done a “reasonably good job.”

“I just have too many questions about how Magnus would handle things. I also think his animosity with the mayor would hurt the city,” Hall said.