Park Hills elect three incumbents, choose one new councilman

During Tuesday’s election, Park Hills voters re-elected three incumbents to the city council and chose a new councilman by a close vote.

Sara (Pullen) Cruse received 21 votes in Ward 2, while incumbent David Edgar received 20 votes. Gabriel Barlow received 5 votes.

Pullen, 29, said she is looking forward to bringing a new perspective to existing issues and new ones the council could face.

“I’m really excited and a little bit shocked by the numbers – one vote difference,” she said. “I’m thankful to everyone who turned out to vote and especially to the 21 who voted for me.

“I’m ready to get started.”

A graduate of Central High School, Mineral Area College and the University of Phoenix, Cruse is director of social services and marketing at Fountainbleau Nursing Center in Festus.

Cruse said she thinks the biggest issue facing the city is the lack of business growth. She plans to work to build consensus and common ground to improve the community,

Ward 1 incumbent Jeff Cunningham will return to his seat after getting 31 votes to 13 for challenger Matthew Rector. Incumbent Charlotte House won in Ward 3 by two votes, beating challenger Jim LaPlant 46 to 42.

Ward 4 incumbent Charles Politte was unopposed in his bid for reelection.