AMHERST — Voters across the greater Amherst area turned out Tuesday to decide a mix of city, township, and village races — including two contested races in the City of Amherst — and to weigh in on a proposed school income tax that failed by a significant margin.
City of Amherst
Amherst voters had two competitive contests on the ballot this year: Treasurer and Council At-Large. In the Treasurer’s race, Democrat Kelly Miller narrowly defeated incumbent James P. Lawrence (R), earning 1,981 votes (51.94%) to Lawrence’s 1,833 (48.06%). The at-large council race was also close, with four candidates vying for three seats. David Janik (D) received the most votes with 2,251 (27.79%), followed by Matthew W. Nahorn (R) at 1,979 (24.43%) and Charles S. Winiarski III (R) at 1,951 (24.08%). Joseph R. Gambish (R) narrowly missed election with 1,920 (23.70%). ✅ Elected: Janik, Nahorn, and Winiarski. Unopposed candidates included Jennifer Wasilk (R), who was re-elected as President of Council with 2,984 votes, and Brenda Phillips (R), who secured another term as City Auditor with 2,657 votes.
Amherst Township
In Amherst Township, a competitive three-way race for two trustee seats brought a change in leadership. Jeremy W. Watson led the field with 975 votes (37.00%), followed by Neil J. Lynch with 878 (33.32%). Both were elected to the board, while Andrea Repko finished third with 782 (29.68%).
Village of South Amherst
South Amherst voters also faced a crowded ballot for Village Council, with five candidates competing for four available seats. Jeanne C. Maschari led the group with 242 votes (22.16%), followed by Mark A. Leshinski (226, 20.70%), Anthony Savage (215, 19.69%), and Robb Koscho (208, 19.05%), who each earned a seat. Becky Siesky trailed narrowly with 201 votes (18.41%).
Amherst Exempted Village School District Levy
The district’s proposed 1% income tax for current operating expenses failed to gain traction with voters, drawing 2,618 votes (37.67%) in favor and 4,331 (62.33%) against. The defeat leaves school officials to reconsider funding strategies amid rising operational costs.
Election Overview
All results are unofficial until certified by the Lorain County Board of Elections. Turnout was moderate across the Amherst area, with the contested city and township races drawing steady participation throughout the day.
Source: Lorain County Board of Elections, Unofficial Results – November 4, 2025