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Stromberg appears headed to win Ashland Mayor John Stromberg greets friends at an election night gathering at Standing Stone Brewing Company on Tuesday. Photo by Larry Stauth Jr. Tuesday Nov 8, 2016 at 8:48 PM Nov 8, 2016 at 10:20 PM By Joe Zavala for the Mail Tribune Mayor John Stromberg surged to a big lead against top challenger and city counselor Carol Voisin, according to returns with the Jackson County elections office Tuesday night. Stromberg, seeking a third term after previous victories in 2008 and 2012, had received 56 percent — or 5,934 — of the votes counted in Ashland’s five precincts, according to county updates posted at about 10 p.m. Tuesday. Voisin had received 40 percent, or 4,229 votes. Nonpartisan candidates John Greene (219 votes) and Biome Erickson (149) received a combined 3 percent of the vote. “Well, you have to remember this was in the context of what’s happening nationally, which is so significant for the country, so I’m very concerned about that,” Stromberg said of his initial reaction. “I wait until the next day before I draw any final conclusions, but this is encouraging and positive, and it’s been a very long campaign. It feels like it’s gone on for about two years.” Voisin, a councilor since 2008, ran on a platform of equal opportunity for women, transparency and accountability in government and environmental stewardship, among other issues. She said the numbers almost certainly added up to a Stromberg victory but said she was proud of the campaign she ran. “I’m going to call (Stromberg) when I get home — right now I’m at a party,” she said at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, about 30 minutes after the first results were posted at results.oregonvotes.gov. “I will congratulate John for his victory. We both ran really good, positive races and we focused on the issues. We educated the population, we didn’t focus on personalities. John served us well for eight years, he has another four years and I really wish him well. And I’ll help him in any way that I can.” Voisin said the size of Stromberg’s lead was somewhat surprising. “I thought it was going to be closer,” she said. Stromberg’s probable win came on the heels of his victories over George Kramer in 2008 and Alan DeBoer in 2012. If the numbers hold up, he’ll become Ashland’s first three-term mayor since Cathy Shaw’s 12-year reign between 1988 and 2000. When asked if he would run for a fourth term, Stromberg said it was unlikely. “I don’t anticipate it,” he said. “And Jane (his wife), sitting next to me, says not. And that’s the one vote in town that really counts.” Reach reporter Joe Zavala at 541-821-0829 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @Joe_Zavala99.