DeFelice Cruises to Solid Victory in Belmont County Commissioner’s Race
Photo by Eric Ayres Trending
SHADYSIDE - Longtime local businessman Dominic DeFelice cruised to a sound victory during Tuesday night’s general election in the race for one open seat on the Belmont County Board of Commissioners.
With only one rural precinct left to report late Tuesday night, DeFelice, the Republican candidate, had a comfortable lead over Democrat candidate Franklin Shaffer Jr. Unofficial numbers before deadline with 68 of 69 precincts reporting 13,840 votes to 7,473.
DeFelice was surrounded with family, friends and supporters Tuesday night at Matt’s Tiger Pub in his hometown of Shadyside to await election night results.
"I want to thank all of the people of Belmont County," he said. "It’s been a wonderful experience - the whole campaign, the primary and leading into the general election. I met a lot of wonderful people, and I hope to do a lot of great things."
DeFelice will take office at the beginning of the new year, taking the seat of current commissioner Jerry Echemann, who is retiring after this term expires at the end of this year.
"I’m looking forward to working with J.P. Dutton and Vince Gianangeli - the current commissioners - and all of the township trustees and the village mayors and officials," DeFelice said, noting that he believed that in the wake of the gas and oil industry development in recent years, Belmont County is on an upswing. "I hope to elevate that with these folks."
DeFelice is the owner of DeFelice Brothers Pizza, which operates stores throughout the Ohio Valley. He said his experience of growing his own business - and helping franchisees succeed, as well - led him to believe "I have the ability to help" and drove him to seek a seat on the board of commissioners.
"I never really thought I would get into politics," he said. "To me, this is more about Belmont County than it is an ‘R’ or ‘D.’ I’m going to serve all of Belmont County - even the people who didn’t support me and supported my competition. I’m overwhelmed and humbled by people voting for me and picking me."
DeFelice has been in business for 44 years and has served on the Shadyside School Board for 15 years.
He said he was friends with all of his competitors through the process of the primary and general elections, and applauded everyone for running clean campaigns.
"This is about making our community better, not about tearing down your opponents," he said. "I’m excited to get started. It’s exciting. It’s a challenge I’m ready to take on."