Washington County Election Results Certified

The results of the November General Election in Washington County have been certified.  Washington County Elections Director Melanie Ostrander says the results were certified Monday afternoon and with the exception of one race, there were no issues.  A petition had been filed last week by Mark Kennison, an Independent candidate who lost to Democrat Jo Jo Burgess by just thirty-nine votes in the race for Washington Mayor. Kennison had filed the petition to challenge the results, citing what he said were irregularities on Election Day. However, when the case went to court, Kennison withdrew the petition, setting the stage for Jo Jo Burgess to be sworn in as the city’s first black mayor in January.  As for the only other issue, Ostrander says there was a tie for the fourth seat on East Washington Borough Council.  As a result, she says lots will be drawn on December 8th at noon and the winner will take the fourth seat.  The drawing will be between Democrats Mumbi Mundia-Howe and Kent James.