2 school issues, one county issue on May 7 primary
Filing deadlines in early February reveal the appearance of the May 7, 2019, Ohio primary election. Here’s the ballot for voters in the Bluffton school district.
• Bluffton Exempted Village School District
Income Tax renewal 0.5%, Permanent improvements, 3 years
• Bluffton Exempted Village School District
Levy renewal 4.244 Mills, avoiding an operating deficit, 5 years
• Allen County RTA
Sales and Use Tax additional 0.1%, Providing Transportation Service, 10 years
The Icon will provide details of the three levies closer to the election.
Richard Johnson, Republican, was the only Bluffton candidate filling for office with a party designation. Because he has no Republican opponents for mayor, he will appear on the Nov. 5 general election ballot as a Republican candidate for mayor.
While the primary ballot is light, the general election ballot will prove to be of more interest.
On the Nov. 5 ballot will be candidates for Bluffton mayor, two Bluffton council seats, two Bluffton school board seats, one Richland Township trustee seat and one Monroe Township trustee seat. Beaverdam voters will select a mayor and two council members.
Persons filing as independents still have time to file for any of the local offices.
Those filing deadlines for independent candidates are:
• Bluffton mayor – May 6
• Bluffton council – May 6
• Bluffton school board, Beaverdam mayor – Aug. 7
• Beaverdam council, township trustees – Aug. 7
Persons holding seats expiring Dec. 31 that will be on the ballot follow:
Mayor
Richard Johnson, 216 Beaver St. (Republican) (appointed)
Bluffton council
Joe Sehlhorst, 335 Cherry St. (Independent)
Ben Stahl, 414 S. Main St. (Democrat) (appointed)
Bluffton school board – non-partisan
Jeremy Scoles, 205 Hillcrest
Renee Smith, 554 Hunters Run
Richland Township trustees – non-partisan
Donald Brauen, 7140 Tom Fett Road
Monroe Township trustees – non-partisan
Jon E. Basinger, 4080 E. Hook-Waltz Road, Elida
Beaverdam – non-partisan positions
Mayor
Pamela Lepine, 209 S. Lima St., (appointed)
Council
Teresa Cameron, 213 Prospect St.
Franklin Gillette, 215 W. Pearl St.
Stories Posted This Week
Friday, October 9, 2026
Thursday, October 8, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines on Thursday, October 8
- St. John Bible Church to host "Refocus on Purpose" workshop
- Royal riches: Gout
- October 8 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Has Bluffton made a birder out of you?
- BPL Afterschool activity: Curious Kids Club
- Book and pizza tasting at Bluffton Public Library
- Final 50 for 250 performance at BPL
- Walking through the Suter Corn Maze
- Resident feedback sought for Regional Transportation Plan
- Bluffton University honors three for service, achievement and leadership
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
- Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting, Friday, Oct. 9
- Fire extinguished at SRK Industries, plant resumed operation same day
- Bluffton girls tie Grove in NWC showdown
- Pirate volleyball falls to powerhouse Patriots
- BHS GOAT: Latin teacher Margaret Weaver
- Library patrons invited to showcase their collections or causes
- September 2026 land transfers in the Bluffton school district