Rising Sun Elects New Mayor, Democrats Dominate Election Day

By Travis Thayer (Rising Sun, Ind.) – A new mayor has been elected in Rising Sun on an election day dominated by Democratic candidates. Rising Sun’s incumbent mayor, April Hautman, was defeated by Democrat Brent Bascom, 61 to 39 percent. Ohio County clerks said there are still eight provisional votes to be counted, but that won’t be nearly enough to change the outcome of any of the races. More than half of Rising Sun's registered voters made it to the ballot box on Tuesday, 491 of which voted for Bascom, and the mayor-elect took notice. "It speaks volumes of the community we have, and that they care. It's just really an incredible feeling the faith the Rising Sun community has put in me to lead the city, and that is not lost on me" said Bascom. Mayor-elect Bascom says that party alliance is now secondary to being a Rising Sun citizen and that he looks forward to everyone working together to do what's best for Rising Sun. One of Bascom's top priorities when he takes office will be to develop a strong relationship with the school system, which he believes is the backbone of the community. Voters also elected five council members and a clerk-treasurer for the City of Rising Sun. Incumbent Democrat Clerk-Treasurer Rae Baker Gipson won re-election, defeating Republican Cliff Thies 67 to 33 percent. Democrat Dennis “Bud” Radcliffe won a close race, defeating Republican candidate Don Thomason in the Council At-Large race, 53 to 47 percent Democrat Francis “Swede” Colen was elected to represent District 1 on council despite allegations that his son, a Rising Sun Police officer, submitted fake voter registrations during Ohio County’s primary elections this past May. Colon defeated Republican Patricia Huff 55 to 45 percent. William “Bill” Marksberry, a democrat and former Rising Sun mayor will represent District 2 on council. He defeated Republican Michael D. Peters 506 to 283 votes. Democrat John W. Rumsey will represent District 3 on council. He defeated Republican Dennis E. Jones 510 to 270 votes. Dennis W. Williams was the only Republican to be elected in Rising Sun, winning the District 4 council seat. Williams defeated Democrat and former Switzerland County sheriff Garry W. Forwood, in a tightly contested race, 52 to 48 percent. RELATED STORIES: Rising Sun Police Officer Arrested, Accused Of Voter Fraud Rising Sun Mayor Gets Election Opposition; Political Parties Submit New Candidates