Kevin Brubaker will become the next mayor of the city of Elyria, according to unofficial results from the Lorain County Board of Elections.
Brubaker, a Democrat, defeated incumbent Frank Whitfield, an independent, former mayor William Grace, also an independent, and Republican Alice Gobeille.
Brubaker received 6,499 votes, or 43.77 percent; Whitfield had 6,007 votes, for 40.45 percent; Gobeille picked up 1,949 for 13.13 percent; and Grace had 394 votes for 2.65 percent, according to unofficial results.
Brubaker, an Elyria native, worked as the Elyria safety service director for 14 years before resigning.
Following his mayoral victory, he said he has intimate knowledge of the city’s inner workings, thanks to his experience as safety service director.
“I have full knowledge of the budget process, the day-to-day operations of the city,” Brubaker said. “I was involved in economic development and working with business owners.
“So, when I walk into the office on Jan. 1, I’m not walking in walking, I actually have the ability to go in running.”
Brubaker said he looks forward to hitting the ground running as mayor, and outlined what the beginning of his term will look like.
“When you look at the economic development, that is what I told people I’m going to focus my time on,” he said. “I’m going to hire people smarter than me, that will be able to do the day to day operations, and allow me to focus with the economic development director, bringing businesses and helping our businesses expand in the city.”
Brubaker thanked the voters of Elyria for choosing him as their next mayor, and he e said he looks forward to working with the city and its residents.
“I am so thankful to all of the support of the residents of the city of Elyria, my campaign team, (and) my family,” he said. “The residents spoke loud and clear tonight.
“I’m looking forward to representing them and justifying their vote for me.”
