Hurchanik wins after recount

Candidate gained more votes in recount than Oligee.

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By Skip Weaver, Staff Writer 12:39 AM Sunday, December 4, 2011

TRENTON — Richard L. Hurchanik learned Friday that he has officially been declared the winner of the second seat in the Edgewood School Board of Education race.

The Preble County Board of Elections conducted its recount of ballots that affect the race Friday morning, a day after Butler County confirmed its vote totals in the race.

Hurchanik received 10 votes to Tom Oligee’s three in Preble County pushing him into the lead with a combined 1,662 votes to Oligee’s 1,556.

“It was an up and down race,” said the 67-year-old Hurchanik, admitting that he went to sleep on Nov. 8 thinking he had lost. He received several calls the next day, he said, congratulating him on his victory only to learn he was unaware of the votes in Preble County.

“There was a lot of confusion, but I think the one thing that was invaluable was going door to door,” Hurchanik said of his campaign effort.

“Not too many people go door to door anymore and I believe I got so much from that.”

Hurchanik is a retired Army infantry lieutenant colonel with more than 20 years of military service.

“There are no surprises with me,” he said. “I’m an open book about my positions. I’m happy I won and I look forward to the challenges ahead.”

Oligee was understandably disappointed.

“It’s something I wanted to do and I don’t know if I want to go through it again,” Oligee said. “When you try hard and lose by that little a margin it is disappointing, but everything happens for a reason.

“Hurchanik worked very hard and it paid off for him. I wish him and Amy the best of luck. I’m sure they will do a good job and I hope everything works out for them.”

Amy Ashcraft was the top vote-getter in the seven-person race. She totaled 2,323 votes.

The terms for Ashcraft and Hurchanik will begin Jan. 1.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2852 or sweaver@coxohio.com.

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