McMurray elected Albion mayor, defeating Riley by 7 votes

Jami Allport, Kevin Sheehan elected village trustees

Photo by Tom Rivers: Tim McMurray, shown during a candidate forum on March 5, was elected Albion mayor today.

ALBION – In a very close race for Albion mayor, Tim McMurray emerged the victor this evening, defeating Joyce Riley by 7 votes – 209 to 202.

Both have been village trustees and are finishing four-year terms. McMurray will succeed Angel Javier Jr. who didn’t seek re-election.

McMurray, 43, is a Marine Corps veteran who has been heavily involved in the community through the Albion youth football program, Strawberry Festival and other events.

He wants to lead a community of Albion stakeholders, from volunteers, business owners, families and others committed to seeing the village prosper.

He ran on the Republican line while Riley was backed by the Democratic Party and the independent “Vote for Albion.” She nearly became the first African-American to be elected Albion’s mayor.

Village residents also elected two trustees to four-year terms. Jami Allport was the top vote-getter with 275, followed by Kevin Sheehan with 215. Issac Robinson was a close third at 202. Robinson ran under the independent “Vote for Albion” line while Allport and Sheehan were backed by the Republicans.

The new terms start on April 1. Allport and Sheehan will take the trustee positions currently filled by McMurray and Riley.