Springfield commission candidate Tackett beats 30-year incumbent O’Neill

Kevin O'Neill and Tracey Tackett.

Kevin O'Neill and Tracey Tackett.

Springfield City Commission candidate Tracey Tackett won over longtime commissioner Kevin O’Neill on Tuesday night in final, unofficial results.

Tackett won with 62.44% of the votes to O’Neill’s 37.56%. The commissioner-elect said she plans to improve communication between the commission and voters, continue her work with people experiencing homelessness and support the growing Haitian immigrant population.

“So much thanks to the people that supported me,” Tackett said. “I’m just so grateful for the opportunity to serve to community.”

>> Live Election Results for Clark County

Clark County election turnout was 47.4%.

Tackett, the owner of Sip & Dipity for a decade, also works with Clark County Partners in Prevention. She has a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership, with a minor in political science from Wittenberg University, and a master’s from Ohio State University in public policy.

O’Neill is a Springfield native and Catholic Central graduate who has served as a city commissioner since 1992. His resume includes serving as a real estate developer/builder, restaurant owner and caterer.

He spearheaded the direct election of Springfield’s mayor — previously, commission members voted amongst themselves to determine mayor —and he touted endorsements by UAW Cap Council Local 402, Springfield Professional Firefighters IAFF, and fellow commissioners David Estrop and Krystal (Phillips) Brown.

Rob Rue, a commissioner currently serving as assistant mayor, was the lone candidate Tuesday for Springfield mayor.

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