Groff wins in Lancaster's 3rd Ward

LANCASTER – Incumbent Republican 3rd Ward Lancaster City Councilman Randy Groff beat back a challenge from fellow Republican and political newcomer Tawny Sniderman on Tuesday.

The final unofficial tally by the Fairfield County Board of Elections had Groff with 149 votes and Sniderman with 106 votes.

"I'm glad people got out and voted. With only the one race, I thought there were going to be fewer voters, so I appreciate everyone who went out and voted Tuesday," Groff said.

Groff was elected to city council in 2013, and this is Sniderman's first run for city council.

One of the main issues separating the two candidates deals with whether the new Fairfield County jail should be built downtown near the intersection of Memorial Drive and Wheeling Street.

Groff is opposed to it, whereas Sniderman has voiced support for it.

Groff has maintained it is a potential safety issue that could lead to contamination of the city's water supply, whereas Sniderman has said it does not appear to be a risk and points out there has been a minimum-security jail there for years.

Sniderman also said the recent city council debates on issues including the new county jail, saving the Mithoff and downtown parking have been characterized by personal attacks and that, if elected, she would work with others to try to end that.

Groff currently serves as the chairman of the Code Enforcement and Zoning Committee and is a member of the Public Service Boards and Administration Committee and Service Committee.

Groff said his concern after the election Tuesday night was his zoning meeting planned for Wednesday morning dealing with downtown parking.

"I'm going to keep doing what I've been doing," Groff said.

cburnett@lancastereagflegazette.com

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Twitter: @CarlBurnettJr