ST. CLAIRSVILLE - Belmont County's three-way race for the county treasurer seat saw political newcomer Katherine Kelich Curfman cruising to a decisive victory over two local political veterans.
Curfman, 35, emerged as the clear victor during Tuesday night's primary election, securing the Democratic nod for the treasurer's post in Belmont County. She will be unopposed in November.
Leading the pack all the way, according to unofficial vote totals Tuesday night at the Belmont County Board of Elections, Curfman walked away with a total of 3,795 votes, beating out Michael Shaheen, who garnered 2,899 votes; and Michael Bianconi, who earned 2,156 votes.
Curfman celebrated her victory amongst family, friends and supporters at Undo's in St. Clairsville Tuesday night.
"I'm thrilled," she said. "My victory is shared tonight with everyone - all the voters in Belmont County who put their trust in me, who believed in me and who supported me throughout this campaign. My gratitude for all the people who helped and encouraged me is beyond words."
Next year, Curfman will take the post held for many years by longtime Belmont County Treasurer Joe Gaudio, who announced months ago he would not be seeking re-election to another term. Following her victory, Curfman said she was looking forward to continuing the level of excellence the Belmont County Treasurer's Office has come to know over the past two-plus decades under Gaudio's watch.
"I want to continue to bring the kind of integrity to the treasurer's office Joe Gaudio brought through his service," she said, adding that she had no plans to bring major changes to the office or current personnel when she takes over the reins.
