WAYNE COUNTY, PA — Though still well below the halfway point, Wayne County had a higher-than-average voter turnout in this year’s municipal elections. About 35 percent of the county’s registered voters cast ballots on November 2—compared to a 29 percent turnout in 2017 and just 21 percent in 2013.

Honesdale votes in newcomers

According to unofficial results, Derek Williams—a county planning employee and independent candidate who led a “walking” campaign for the office—unseated incumbent Republican mayor Sarah Canfield. Williams won just over 59 percent of the vote (598) over Canfield’s 40 percent (405). 

On Honesdale Borough Council, for which fives candidates vied over four seats, Republican Jim Hammill garnered the highest share, nearly a quarter of the total votes cast. The other three Republican candidates came next with councilor Jason Newbon receiving 22 percent; councilor William McAllister receiving about 18 percent; and former zoning officer David Nilsen receiving about 17 percent. The only Democrat in the race, councilor James Brennan got the lowest share of the group, about 14 percent.

Newbon and McAllister had both been appointed to the council to fill vacancies prior to this year’s election. This is both councilors’ first time getting elected by Honesdale voters.

Magisterial court justices

While many candidates ran for a shot at Wayne County’s three magisterial court justice seats during the primary, the more recent races were less crowded. Incumbent Bonnie Carney ran unopposed and will continue to serve as magisterial judge for district one. Kay Bates also ran unopposed and will serve as magisterial judge for district two.

In district four, Jonathan Dunsinger won almost 69 percent of the vote over Kerin Podunajec’s roughly 31 percent.

Republicans win court seats

In the race for the commonwealth’s Supreme Court, Republican Kevin Brobson defeated Democrat Maria McLaughlin; 68 percent of Wayne County voted for Brobson, who will serve a 10-year term as a PA Supreme Court Justice.

Republican Megan Sullivan, former Chester County and state prosecutor, defeated Democratic candidate and Philadelphia judge Timika Lane for a seat on the Superior Court. The Superior Court handles appeals from county courts on both criminal and civil cases. Sullivan won more than 70 percent of the vote in Wayne.

With two open seats on the nine-judge Commonwealth Court, Bradford County Republican Stacy Wallace gathered the most votes out of the four candidates, both statewide and in Wayne County; the remaining is too close to call at press time.

Other elections

Acting sheriff Chris Rosler, who defeated his opponent in the primary and ran unopposed on Election Day, will serve as the county’s new sheriff.

Matthew Meagher ran unopposed and will serve as a judge on the court of common pleas.

Fives candidates ran for three open seats on Hawley Borough Council. Michele Rojas won 132 votes; Mary Sanders won 130; Ann Monaghan 115; Geneva Dougherty 86; and Douglas Nahogyil 81.

In the race for Hawley mayor, John Nichols won with 53.5 percent to Michael Dougherty’s 45.13 percent.

In the race for Milford mayor, Sean Strub retained his seat with 292 votes to Lisa Emery's polling at 198.