Spring Valley elects first female mayor: Melanie Malooley-Thompson

SPRING VALLEY — Spring Valley voters have spoken and the town soon will swear-in its first female mayor.

Melanie Malooley-Thompson bested four opponents to take mayoral duties from outgoing Mayor Walt Marini, who did not run for re-election.

Malooley-Thompson garnered 39.35% of the unofficial tally with 626 votes, defeating Alderman Fred West, who tallied 35.89% of the unofficial count, with 571 votes. Opponents Mark Venegas garnered 177 votes, John French 132 and Ed Jauch 85.

“I am humbled and honored to be chosen the mayor of Spring Valley,” Malooley-Thompson said from her home Tuesday night.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family and friends for all of their help and support throughout my campaign,” she continued. “A special thank you to my biggest supporter, my dedicated father, Ron Malooley, who never gave up on me and also my loving sister Marsha. My support system was always there.”

Spring Valley voters turned out at just more than 42%, with 1,598 ballots cast from 3,779 registered voters.

Spring Valley council races saw a return of incumbent aldermen with the exception of Jeff Janusick, who appears on his way to be unseated by Gregory Campbell for Ward 3 with an unofficial vote count of 226 to 209. There are at least 25 outstanding votes possible within Bureau County from mail-in ballots. Michael Herrmann, Dave Pellegrini and Christopher Affelt retained their seats.