Three newcomers and an incumbent lead in Medford council races

Nov. 9—One long-serving incumbent was holding on to his lead by less than three percentage points after early election returns Tuesday night, and a local banker, recreational vehicle finance manager and a transportation company executive were on track to join the Medford City Council.

Newcomers Jessica Ayres, Zac Smith and Nick Card — and incumbent Kevin Stine — were leading after early returns in Medford's four contested wards.

The results are preliminary. A complete count and certified election results are weeks away because the state now accepts mailed ballots up to seven days after polls close, provided they have a postmark of Nov. 8 or earlier.

Stine, who works as a member of the Navy Military Honors Team and as a substitute teacher for Medford schools, was leading the Ward 3 race with a lead of 2.72 points as of 11 p.m. Tuesday. Reached by phone, Stine said he believed that should be enough for a third term.

Stine had received 1,758 votes — 40.52% of the 4,339 votes in the three-way race. Challenger Jessica Freedom Allen was 118 votes behind Stine with 37.80% of the vote. Bob Shand had 892 votes or 20.56%, with an additional 49 votes going to write-in candidates.

Stine said he believed his efforts helping lead the campaign for the Rogue Credit Union Community Complex, better known as Rogue X, resonated with voters.

"It's in Ward 3, so there's people that live near the sports complex that'll be able to walk to it," Stine said. "It's just an exciting thing for Medford to be a part of."

Stine envisions swimming competitions and sporting events that could come to Medford once it's completed, along with activities for kids.

Looking back on his past two terms on the council, Stine said, "We've been through a lot."

COVID impacted the council's ability to tackle issues such as housing, but Stine believes the council will be able to address them in the term ahead.

"I think we're starting to see the fruition of many projects coming together," Stine said. "Its just really exciting."

In Ward 1, Jessica Ayres, who works as a business banker, was leading opponent Curt Ankerberg in the east Medford district by 34.33 points. She had received 66.64% of the 7,288 votes counted as of 11 p.m. Tuesday. Ankerberg had 2,355 votes, with 76 votes for write-in candidates.

"I am just incredibly humbled by the support I've received from my ward, my family, my friends," Ayres said when reached by phone at the Rogue Valley Country Club. "I'm excited to do great things for the citizens of Ward 1 and Medford."

"Medford's my hometown, and it's very important to me. I can't wait to make it a better place," Ayres added.

In Ward 2, Zac Smith, who works as a finance manager at Blue Dog RV, was leading by 8.67 percentage points over incumbent Clay Bearnson. Smith had received 2,825 votes as of 11 p.m. Tuesday night — 54.02% of the 5,230 total votes. Bearnson had 2,372 votes or 45.35%, with 33 votes going to write-in candidates.

When reached by phone, Smith said he was "definitely happy" with his lead, but said the final result is up to the voters.

"I'd be more than honored to tackle the issues facing Medford," Smith said, describing homelessness as one example. "I'm ready to roll up the sleeves, work with the rest of the council and get it done."

In Ward 4, Nick Card, who works as vice president of operations for Combined Transport, appeared to be in the lead to represent the east Medford district by a margin of just over five percentage points with 4,051 votes, 43.93% of the 9,222 votes after early returns. Kathleen Blackshear was 495 votes behind with 38.56%. Matt Roberts had 1,585 votes or 17.19%, with 30 votes going to write-in candidates.

With 70% of the vote counted, Card said he was "cautiously optimistic" at his 5.37 point lead, but didn't want to assume anything until the official results come in.

"I believe in the process, and I want to make sure it's up to the voters and not me in deciding if I'm going to represent them," Card said.

He admitted, however, that he's excited about the prospect of making a difference in the community by joining Medford City Council.

"This is a great opportunity to continue to help," Card said.

Reach web editor Nick Morgan at 541-776-4471 or nmorgan@rosebudmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MTwebeditor.