Bayless wins Xenia mayor race

Half of the precincts are reporting

XENIA — Two political newcomers and an incumbent came out the top choices for mayor and council in a city looking at hard financial choices in the coming year.

Retired principal Marsha Bayless easily beat Councilman Dale Louderback in the race to replace Phyllis Pennewitt as the city’s next mayor in tonight’s Nov. 3 election. Bayless received 3,291 votes to Louderback’s 2,778, according to unofficial results from the Greene County board of elections.

“I think a lot of people in the community know me and recognize the things I’ve done, the contributions I’ve made in both the schools and the community,” Bayless said. She added she would concentrate on bringing new jobs to the struggling city.

Business owner Wesley Smith easily won a spot on city council, grabbing the most votes with 2,877. Incumbent Councilwoman Jeanne Mills came in second with 2,256 votes in the field of six candidates for two open seats.

Smith, a 12-year resident, said his business experience should help the council as it prepares to deal with revenue shortfalls.

“Times are tough for everyone and I think the city needs to be more proactive in trying to increase revenue without burdening taxpayers,” Smith said. “I’m looking forward to working with the new mayor and the rest of city council, the city manager and other leaders. I’m very grateful to the voters of Xenia.”

City leaders are facing budget deficits in 2010 after laying off nine city workers and negotiating pay reductions and freezes with the police and firefighters unions.

Council members have discussed the possibility of a public services levy in 2010 for police and firefighters and plan to poll residents in coming weeks.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2342 or cmagan@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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