Polk City, Zanesville, Van Buren Prepare for 2025 Local Elections Amid Multiple Council Vacancies

Several local elections are upcoming with key races in Polk City, Zanesville, and Van Buren. In Polk City, incumbent Mayor Steve Karsjen is running unopposed, focusing on managing the challenges of rapid growth, including traffic congestion, economic development, and affordable housing. In Zanesville, 10 City Council seats are up for election with competitive races in the Fifth and Sixth Wards, featuring incumbents Ralph Hennessey and Mike King facing challengers Brandon Heddleson and Andrew Ashby respectively. Additionally, four candidates are vying for three at-large seats, including incumbents Karla Frye, Mark Ballmer, and Joey Pennybaker Osborn, with community involvement and public safety among their priorities. In Van Buren, incumbent Supervisor Wendy Van Der Water seeks re-election unopposed, emphasizing her experience and commitment to maintaining the town's small-community character while balancing budgets and controlling taxes. These elections highlight local leadership's focus on growth management, fiscal responsibility, and community values.