Rymer, Martin, Renfroe, Gute comprise commission
ASHLAND Ashland's board of city commissioners will take on a mostly different look come January 2025.
Marty Gute is the lone incumbent who received enough votes to secure another two-year term — his ninth.
Ashland voters elected DJ Rymer to become the youngest commissioner in the board's history. Rymer, 28, racked up 4,400 votes — the most of any candidate. Sonny Martin and Tim Renfroe will join Rymer and Gute alongside Mayor Chuck Charles.
Incumbents Amanda Clark and Cheryl Spriggs finished in fifth and sixth places, respectively. Former commissioner Larry Brown was seventh. Current commissioner Josh Blanton ran for mayor, therefore vacating his seat.
"I am truly humbled by the strong support I received in the election for city commission," Rymer said. "Finishing in first place sends a clear message that our community is ready for responsible governance. Ashland is a wonderful place with citizens who simply want a government that works for them. Together, I believe we can create a future where our community thrives on accountability and integrity. Thank you again for your trust, support and your continued prayers. Now, let's get to work serving all of the citizens of Ashland."
Rymer currently has a position as a city employee. He will resign prior to becoming a commissioner.
Martin served nearly four decades as Ashland's city attorney in the past. He was also City Manager on an interim basis for about a year.
"I'm excited and I look forward to serving my community the next two years in a capacity different than how I've served in the past," Martin said. "It'll be interesting to have a vote instead of being support staff. I've got a lot of thoughts as I'm sure the other folks that have been elected have. It's a good group of people. Mr. Rymer has worked really hard, solid young man. The other two are solid men, too. I've worked with Chuck (Charles) in the past, and I'm impressed with Josh (Blanton). He's a good public servant."
Renfroe, Rymer and Gute were all present at the Boyd County Clerk's Office as the results flowed in on Tuesday.
Renfroe steadied his smartphone to grab a picture of the results. It was his first crack at political office.
"Shocked, pleased," Renfroe said of his reaction. "I thought I had a shot at it, but you know, all day, I was talking to family, what do you think ... what do you think? It was my first run at it. I didn't know what to expect. I do have to thank my immediate family — wife, son, daughter; and my family, close friends. I'm looking forward to it.
Renfroe is eagerly anticipating getting to work with a familiar group.
"I worked with Chuck (Charles) for years with Summer Motion. I was head of security. On the police department, Sonny and I worked together on a lot of things. Marty (Gute), I've known since my days at Armco. DJ (Rymer), we met three or four years ago. I'm looking forward to it. ... I think we'll do some good stuff."
Said Gute: "I really have high expectations for the future. I think we have a great commission, a great team. I'm elated. ... Chuck was a good mayor. I'm looking forward to working with Chuck. He was a good mayor and he brings people together."
The results were as follows: Rymer 4,400; Martin 3,723; Renfroe 3,336; Gute 3,243; Clark 2,904; Spriggs 2,741; and Brown 2,524.
