By CHRIS WITEOF
Record Herald Writer
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WEST MILTON - The town of West Milton spoke last Tuesday as the positions of mayor, vice-mayor, and city council were decided. Michael M. Coate II, who ran unopposed, will be the city’s new mayor. Jason Tinnerman won the race for vice-mayor against Mary Kathleen Utz with a 66 percent majority. Also, Scott Fogle, Fredric Francis, and Ora Ashley came out on top in the campaign for city council.

Coate’s position as mayor is something of a family affair. Pat Grim has held the office since 2010 when she took over for Ray Moore, but because of filing issues, she wasn’t able to run this year. She still might have some sway over Milton politics, however, because Coate is her grandson.

Coate hopes to promote an attitude of selfless governance. He said, “it’s not about us, it’s about the community.”

Tinnerman, who has been on council for a year already, will take over for Dan Shelton in the capacity of vice-mayor. A Milton-Union graduate of the class of ’93, Tinnerman is self-employed and is the father of four children with his wife, Nikki.

Tinnerman said, “I appreciate the citizens and their support. I look forward to serving the community for another term.”

Although there are many issues and problems to be solved, Tinnerman believes the council’s highest priority is to work together with the new city manager to achieve common goals.

There were four names on the ballot for city council. The results of the election left Fogle with 34 percent of the vote, Francis with 27 percent, Ashley with 21 percent, and Don Edmunds trailing with 17 percent. Since there were only three seats available, Edmunds is the only candidate that won’t be taking office.

Francis lives with his four children and wife in West Milton. He holds various degrees in business and management as well as military experience. He is “extremely happy with the results” and “grateful to the citizens” for electing him.

Francis also feels getting a new city manager is on top of the list.

He said, “The first priority is to hire a new city manager and to work on the budget.”

Francis qualified this statement by expressing his concern with the current council hiring the new manager. He hopes the new council will be able to aid in this process for the betterment of Milton.

Fogle and Ashley will also be taking council seats. Fogle said the “water issue” is the first action that should be addressed as a council, and is glad to be on the bench.

“West Milton residents, thanks for voting for me.  I am truly committed to making positive changes for West Milton,” he said.

Ashley also looks forward to working on council.  He agreed that collaboration is absolutely necessary and he said that, in the council chambers, “it’s a team effort to solve problems for the village.”