3rd UPDATE: Final Hillsboro election results see no change; Amy Robinson forgoes her right to a recount, congratulates Patricia Burns

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Despite a margin of error making the race eligible for an automatic recount, Amy Robinson, the Republican candidate for Hillsboro city treasurer who trailed Democrat Patricia Burns by just three votes, said Tuesday she will forgo her right to the recount.

“It’s time to move on,” said Robinson. “I appreciate everyone who voted for me, but I’m sure Patty will do a great job. I congratulate her, and I am forgoing my right to a recount.”

The updated results of the 2017 General Election were released on Tuesday by the Highland County Board of Elections, showing Republican incumbent Claudia Klein remaining the winner of Hillsboro City Council Ward 2 and Burns as Hillsboro treasurer.

Both races were tightly contested on election night, with Klein ahead of her opponent, Democrat Jason Burns, by only two votes in unofficial results, and Patricia Burns leading Robinson by four votes.

After provisional ballots were counted Tuesday morning, Klein’s margins improved to four votes and Patricia Burns lead was reduced to three, making the treasurer’s race within the one-half of one percent margin of error that made the race eligible for an automatic recount.

The recount was scheduled to be held at 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 27 at the board of elections office, but elections administrator Steve Witham said Robinson had the right to forgo the recount, which she did Tuesday morning.

In a previous interview, Klein thanked her supporters and said she’s looking forward to continuing her service on council.

“I just want to thank everybody who voted for me and supported me, and I’m glad to be serving on council for the next four years and keep things moving forward,” Klein said. “I look forward to working with the new council, as well as continuing to work with the old council.”

Patricia Burns thanked her campaign volunteers and the Highland County Democratic Party for support of her campaign.

“I’m truly humbled by this, that’s for sure,” she said. “It’s been an experience I’ll never forget, and it was a great campaign all the way around. I couldn’t have done it without the help and prayers of my family, friends and church… I’m very thankful to God, because I believe he opened this door to me for this time in my life, and I’m looking forward to serving and working with everyone.”

In other results, incumbent Republican Justin Harsha remained on top in the at-large council race with 883 votes, followed by Democratic candidate Brandon Leeth with 649 votes, and incumbent Republican Ann Morris with 547 votes.

Incumbent Republican Tracy Aranyos remained out of the running, trailing Morris at 533 tallies.

In the 1st Ward, Republican Adam Wilkin defeated Democrat Robert Smith, 163-119.

In the 3rd Ward, Republican Wendy Culbreath defeated Democrat Tim Countryman, 119-89.

In the 4th Ward, Democrat Mary Stanforth defeated Republican Jason Grove, 281-134.

No other races in the county were affected by provisional ballots.

Reach David Wright at 937-402-2570, or on Twitter @DavidWrighter.

Elections Administrator Steve Witham of the Highland County Board of Elections works in the board office Tuesday morning.
http://www.timesgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2017/11/web1_fstevewitham-4.jpgElections Administrator Steve Witham of the Highland County Board of Elections works in the board office Tuesday morning. David Wright | The Times-Gazette

By David Wright

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