Published: November 03, 2009 09:48 pm      

Schram wins contested Keene City Council election

A three-way contest for the Ward II, Place I seat on the Keene City Council resulted in the election of Cheryl Schram Tuesday night. Schram garnered 119 votes. Former Councilman Dale Janes received 48 votes, and David McCormick received 54.

“I’m very excited and looking forward to working with the council and serving the city,” Schram said.

Schram said her goals include working to improve the aesthetics of the town and to push for addressing mapping and infrastructure needs for the city.

During the election Schram said city officials need to prepare for the growth that’s coming to Keene and work toward maintaining the town’s small, hometown atmosphere.

Janes previously served on the council for 19 months on the Ward III, Place I seat. By city charter Janes had to step down from his council seat when he moved from Ward III to Ward II earlier this year.

Despite Tuesday’s outcome, Jane said he will continue to do his part for the city.

“I can still bang the gong out here without being on the council,” Janes said.

McCormick said he also plans to continue to do his part for the city.

“I’m happy for Cheryl and congratulate her,” McCormick said. “I think all three of us have pretty much the same outlook for the city. We might have some different ideas on how to get there, but we all have the same goal to improve the city for the citizens.”

The former Ward II, Place I incumbent, Councilman James Coleman, resigned in August and did not seek reelection.

Coleman said he resigned to spend more time with his family and business.

Several residents circulated a petition calling for a recall election of Coleman and Councilman Robert Bischoff last summer. The group subsequently called the effort off in August. Bischoff does not face reelection until November 2010.

Councilman John Ackermann of Ward I, Place I and Councilman Chad Aden of Ward III, Place I ran unopposed in their respective races. Each received 170 votes, Keene City Secretary Keesha Lay said.

The election attracted 225 votes, Lay said.