Wheeler elected as eighth mayor of Richfield

Michael Wheeler was elected as the eighth mayor of the village of Richfield on Nov. 5, following a nine-month campaign begun last February. He said he went door to door to meet residents and attended multiple events throughout the year.

Wheeler said he will leave his position as vice president of Novek Systems in one month and his wife, Polly, will replace him. She helped start the Richfield company several years ago.

Wheeler said he intends to manage the village budget on a “needs” basis rather than a “wants” basis and is meeting with many people in preparation to assume the position of mayor in January.

Wheeler defeated Michael Lyons by 61 votes. Lyons was mayor from 2004 to 2012 and has served on council for several terms. Two years remain on his council term.

Newcomers Sue Ann Philippbar and Charles Boester received the most votes for council, and term-limited Mayor Bobbie Beshara finished third to win a seat. Another newcomer, Jeff Stoppenhagen, was nine votes behind Beshara.  Joe Campbell and Bruce Dobbins were fifth and sixth, respectively.

Ralph Waszak was unopposed for an unexpired two-year term.

Incumbent Janet Jankura easily defeated Ed Pepera for a Richfield Township trustee seat, and Laurie Pinney was unopposed for the position of township fiscal officer.

Revere High School senior Mike Kahoe was the top vote getter in the race for three contested Revere board of education seats. Incumbents Claudia Mendet Hower and Diana Sabitsch were reelected to their seats, defeating Hayden Hajdu, Eric Brown, Jeremy Harpley and Greg Mauldin. Keith Malick was unopposed for an unexpired two-year term.  

Feature image photo caption: Michael Wheeler celebrates his success at the polls with his wife, Polly, and their granddaughter, Erin.