Hahs overwhelms Lohr in Jackson mayor's race

Jackson voters elected Dwain Hahs mayor Tuesday by a margin of more than 2-to-1.

Hahs garnered over 69 percent of the vote to unseat incumbent mayor Barbara Lohr.

Hahs was raised in Jackson before spending more than 30 years in sales and management at Bausch & Lomb, which included a stint in China. Upon retiring, he moved back to Jackson and became a member of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce before beginning his campaign for mayor.

His campaign emphasized his commitment to effective communication and cooperation as means to maintain and build on Jackson's annual growth and to expand the business community.

During a debate with Lohr last month, Hahs outlined several strategies he would implement as mayor to maximize Jackson's attractiveness to prospective businesspeople, including actively contacting potential businesses, facilitating their investments by streamlining building codes and providing industrial space, and emphasizing the quality of Jackson's schools.

To attract businesses, he said, Jackson needs an all-encompassing approach -- one he says he's qualified to implement.

"I would like to thank the voters of Jackson for putting their trust in me," he said. "I'm very humbled, but very excited ... to move the city of Jackson forward. It's been a good night and a good day."

Hahs' campaign highlighted not only his business experience, but his commitment to the traditions that characterize the Jackson community.

"I want to thank all my supporters and friends and family," he added. "They've encouraged me and have just been with me the whole time, and it is very humbling to see the voters respond in the way that they have."

Hahs also thanked Lohr for all the work she's done during her years as mayor.

"I certainly want to thank mayor Lohr as well for her dedication and her service to the city of Jackson," he said. "She's contributed greatly to what Jackson is today."

tgraef@semissourian.com

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