NEW CUMBERLAND – Incumbent Will White will remain in the mayor’s office following New Cumberland’s municipal election Tuesday.

According to unofficial results, posted Tuesday night at the New Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department, White received the most votes in the city’s only contested race in this year’s election, holding off a challenge from current Councilman Mike Watkins by a vote of 74 to 33.

White was first elected to the office in 2021, at which time he defeated David “Boe” Cline to succeed the late Richard Blackwell. That year, Blackwell was elected to a seat on council, but would die in November 2022.

Watkins was appointed to council, representing Ward 1, in November 2021, following the death of Brian Webster. He was elected to a full term on council in 2023.

Four of the city’s six council seats also appeared on Tuesday’s ballots, though candidates were unopposed.

Penny Spilecki was elected to a full term representing Ward 1, Seat C, receiving 39 votes. Spilecki was first appointed to council in February 2023, filling the vacancy created by Blackwell’s death.

Cline, who was originally appointed to fill the Ward 2, Seat A position on council in 2022, and elected to a two-year term in 2023, will return for a full, four-year term after receiving 62 votes.

Jo Ellen Kessel will continue representing Ward 2 Seat C after receiving 59 votes for a new term. Kessel was appointed to the seat in August 2023.

The seat of Ward 2, Seat B, currently held by Anne Blankenship, had no candidate registered as part of the election.

Also as part of Tuesday’s election, New Cumberland voters gave their approval to an amendment to the city charter, which would increase the pay for the office of mayor.

By a vote of 88 in favor, and 16 against, residents gave their blessing to the amendment which will, beginning July 1, increase the yearly salary for mayor from $2,400 per year to $4,800 per year.

chowell@weirtondailytimes.com