Spletzer upsets Waddell in Newton Falls Council race

Tesa Spletzer, a military veteran and first -time candidate, easily defeated Lyle Waddell, former Newton Falls mayor, for the Third Ward Council seat that Waddell had held since last year. Her margin of victory was one-sided. Unofficial results from the Trumbull County Board of Elections show Spletzer garnered more than 67-percent of the votes.
“Wow,” Spletzer said when contacted by 21 News. “I am humbled by the support I’ve received from the entire community and my heartfelt gratitude goes to the residents of Ward Three who believed in me.”
Waddell had been appointed to the council seat shortly before the end of his term as mayor—a position he had served for nine years. There had been some criticism in parts of the community over the appointment, but Waddell said he had “no idea” if the controversy played a role in his defeat. Instead, he told 21 News he was proud of his service as mayor and councilman.
“I set goals I wanted to accomplish and with the help of council, I was able to achieve three of four,” Waddell said. “I can hold my head high and step aside knowing that this community is more prepared for the future than it was in the past.” He cited his work in getting employees their first pay raises in seven years, annex an area near the Ohio Turnpike and “create a network of elected officials and business professionals.”
Spletzer, a former teacher and army veteran of Operation Desert Storm, is a life-long Newton Falls resident. “I want to show the people I know how to adapt and overcome challenges and obstacles,” she said.