Wednesday, March 16th, 2016
Freeman defeats incumbent McKirnan
By Claire Giesige
CELINA - A former Celina assistant police chief bested the incumbent for the Republican nomination to be Mercer County Clerk of Courts.
Calvin Freeman, 60, of Celina, received 4,651 votes, 53 percent of those cast. He retired last year from the Celina Police Department after 34 years of service and now works as a Coldwater officer.
"I'm very pleased with how the election turned out. I want to thank everyone that voted. Special thanks to those that let me put out signs and assisted with my campaign," Freeman said.
He applauded incumbent Kevin M. McKirnan for a well-run campaign.
"He had a very good campaign. I was very fortunate I came out on the winning end," he said.
McKirnan, 64, Celina, received 4,083 votes or 47 percent. He was first elected to the clerk position in 2012 and before that was Celina's law director for 34 years.
"I want to thank all the people who voted for me and had faith in me. I'm sorry I didn't win," he said. "And congratulations to Mr. Freeman."
Freeman is unopposed for the November general election as no Democratic candidate had filed to run.
