By HANNAH SCHAEFER Staff Writer

MEDINA TWP. — Republican voters selected incumbent Commissioner Steve Hambley over challenger Anthony Capretta to face Democrat John Sharkey in November’s election for Medina County commissioner.

Hambley received 10,897 votes, about 70 percent, to Capretta’s 4,463 votes, about 30 percent, according to unofficial results from the Medina County Board of Elections.

“I’m just thankful to the Republicans for re-nominating me, and I’m looking forward to a vigorous and strong race for November,” Hambley said.

Capretta said he looks forward to continuing serving Brunswick as the Ward 4 councilman, a position he was elected to in 2003 and re-elected to in November.

“The voters have spoken this evening, and I abide by their vote,” he said. “I’m going to remain on city council and get back to business. I never forgot about Brunswick, and I’m going to get back to work starting tomorrow.”

Capretta, 43, of 4188 Dennis Lane, is employed as an appraiser with the Cuyahoga County Auditor’s Office and served as a bailiff in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

Hambley, 53, of 2820 Grafton Road, Brunswick, was elected commissioner in 1996 and re-elected in 2000 and 2004.

Before the election, Capretta said one reason he opposed Hambley is because “Steve Hambley is nothing but taxes, taxes, taxes,” and it’s a commissioner’s “responsibility to protect the wallets and purses of everyone in Medina County.” Capretta cited the recent spike in home foreclosures as a reason residents cannot afford more taxes.

Hambley noted although he approved placing several tax issues on the ballot to allow residents to vote on them, he did not personally support all of the issues. Hambley noted when he did support an issue, such as the 0.5 percent school sales tax passed last year, it was because it could help reduce property taxes.

Sharkey, 60, of 682 Deercrest Drive, is a Wadsworth city councilman and said he hopes to create a “better Medina County” if elected in November.

“I want to be able to streamline a lot of the programs and make the taxpayers’ money go further,” Sharkey said. “I’ve been part of the economic development here in Wadsworth for the last four years, and I hope to use my experience there to help develop better job opportunities for Medina County.”

Unopposed Incumbent Commissioner Pat Geissman of Lodi and Democratic candidate Brian Feron of Montville Township, who both ran unopposed in their respective primaries, will face off for a second open commissioner’s seat in November.

County commissioners earn $64,000 annually, plus benefits, and serve four-year terms.

Schaefer may be reached at 330-721-4048 or hschaefer@ohio.net.