3 Wayne trustees hold off challenger

Three longtime Wayne village trustees fended off a challenge from a suburban police officer Tuesday night to retain their seats.

Incumbents Peter Connolly, Ed Hull and Rob Reed — who have a combined 37 years of board experience between them — defeated challenger Scott Coryell, according to unofficial results.

With all eight precincts reporting, Connolly and Reed both lead the field with 166 votes, while Hull finished with 159. Each man will serve another four-year term.

Coryell, who ran several years ago, came up short again with 97 votes. The challenger said he had nothing against the incumbents, but that he wanted to serve his village.

“I’m very happy with the result,” Connolly said. “I’m pleased people are retaining the incumbents. It’s an endorsement from the people and we’re looking forward to the next four years.

Voters also retained longtime Village President Eileen Phipps for another four-year term and elected Michael Anastasio to an unexpired two-year term.

Both ran unopposed.

During the campaign, the four trustee candidates agreed in their opposition to a proposed bridge at Red Gate Road, wanting to control expenses and maintain a rural atmosphere in the village.

Reed and Connolly said they supported the concept of starting a vehicle sticker program to help raise money for road maintenance.