Two incumbent Butler Township commissioners won reelection Tuesday, Nov. 7, and one newcomer earned the third open seat, according to unofficial election results.

Incumbent candidate Joe Wiest received 2,968 votes, or 27.16%; newcomer David Rice received 2,849 votes, or 26.08%; and incumbent Jim Lokhaiser Jr. received 2,775 votes, or 25.40%, according to the unofficial results.

Incumbent Commissioner David Zarnick will not be returning to the commission, receiving 2,290 votes, or 20.96%.

Lokhaiser said he spent much of the day hanging around a polling place in the Meridian area. He said he plans to continue the work he was part of starting in the township.

“I'm very impressed with the turnout,” he said. “I've been here eight years. I want to get that recreation complex done there at Pullman, get the intersection fixed at Whitestown Road.”

Rice said being a newcomer may have helped him gain a seat on the board, because of his approach in speaking with residents of the township. He said people seemed to be looking for change in the local government.

“People have been really receptive to my overall message, being down to earth, listening to what issues they may have,” Rice said. “They have the feeling I'll take action and at least present it to the commissioners. That's my plan. Get in there; present it to the commissioners.”

Zarnick will complete his 16th year as a commissioner at the end of 2023. He said he felt good about his work as a commissioner, having not raised taxes in Butler Township in 12 years, and being a part of bringing state officials to the township to spur local projects.

“If the voters want me back, I will serve four more years. If not, the sun comes up again tomorrow,” Zarnick said before results were in. “It has been a good ride. I have made a lot of good friends over the years across the state.”

Wiest could not be reached for comment.

Jim Lokhaiser Jr.

Joe Wiest

David Rice