There will be a new face representing Ward 6 in Kent’s city council. Tracy Wallach won the Democratic nomination, beating incumbent Beth Oswitch 194 to 152.

Wallach has said she plans to take a new approach to some of the major issues in her neighborhood. In a previous interview, Wallach said she wants to hear more students share their ideas on how to improve student/resident relations. At a candidate debate held April 26, she proposed the idea of a “welcome wagon” to greet new students who move into the neighborhood.

“They’re more likely to be respectful of properties and the area if they know who their neighbors are,” she said at the debate.

Bringing more business to downtown Kent is also a priority of Wallach’s. She said she hopes to get Kent State’s President Lester Lefton involved.

Oswitch said she was somewhat surprised but not shocked by Wallach’s win.

“I am definitely saddened,” she said. “I would have liked to continue to fight for everyone’s needs.”

Oswitch said her term won’t be up for a year, and she fully intends to finish her duties. After that, Oswitch said she will continue to fight for the people in her neighborhood.

“I’ll still be around,” she said.’

As for her opponent, Oswitch said she hopes Wallach stays involved and starts coming to all the City Council meetings.

“I hope she learns everything she needs to,” Oswitch said. “I hope she can do what she said she can for the residents.”

Wallach could not be reached for comment.

Contact public affairs reporter Tiffany Ciesicki at [email protected].