As the newly elected Lima City Council president, Jamie Dixon said he hopes to “create a culture in the council chambers where citizens feel welcome and respected.”
The Lima News file photo
LIMA — The baton will soon be passed from one council member to another. Fifth Ward Council Member Jamie Dixon was elected the Lima City Council President. Dixon ran against fellow First Ward council member Todd Gordon. In the unofficial election results, Gordon received 3,106 and Dixon received 3,121.
“I am elated,” Dixon said. “I went to bed last night smiling and woke up this morning smiling and full of emotions about what happened in our city. Last night showed that every vote truly counts and can make a difference. Most of all it shows that the impossible is possible if you believe.”
Public Communication Officer Jessica Begonia released a statement from Mayor Sharetta Smith at the press conference Wednesday morning.
“We are pleased to extend more congratulations to Council Member Jamie Dixon on selection as the new Lima City Council president,” Begonia said. “Last night’s victory is a testament to the dedication and commitment to serving our growing and changing community. The mayor commends our First Ward council member Todd Gordon on his positive campaign. The mayor looks forward to continuing to work closely with the City Council to strengthen neighborhoods, improve public safety, grow our local economy through the support of small businesses and improve the quality of life for residents and stakeholders. Together we will continue to build a better life.”
Dixon also thanked community members and his fellow council members for their help during the campaign process.
“I would like to thank Todd for stepping up to the plate to want to not only serve the citizens but the willingness to lead council,” Dixon said. “It takes a certain type of person to do something of this magnitude. I would like to thank my wife for hanging in there with me through the entire process. Lastly, the voters and supporters for their encouragement, support and for believing in a little boy from the south side of Lima, whose only desire has always been to serve others.”
As the newly elected president, Dixon said he hopes to “create a culture in the council chambers where citizens feel welcome and respected.”
“I also want to take council meetings outside of 50 Town Square and into the neighborhoods where the people are,” Dixon said. “This could allow more citizens to be involved and engaged in local government.”
According to the Allen County Board of Elections Director Kathy Meyer, there are still votes that will be counted.
“On Election Day it is called the unofficial canvas,” Meyer said. “Our official canvas is scheduled for the 27. That is when we will add in any absentees that came in on time — we will also add in the provisional that we have gone through.”
Meyer said there are around 157 for the city the board will go through.
“Once we have the official votes we will know if we need to schedule an automatic recount,” Meyer said.
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
