11/05/2025
JUST IN: Hubbard, Vernon and Ester Win Ithaca City Council Seats
Voters in Ithaca elected two new members and returned one to the city council Tuesday, where four candidates competed for three seats in the only item on the November ballot anywhere in Gratiot County.
According to unofficial results, incumbent Clark Hubbard received 253 votes, Brooke Vernon received 380 votes, Brandon Ester received 274 votes, and Joseph Padilla received 110 votes.
Vernon and Ester will fill expiring four-year terms held by councilpersons Rick Koppleberger and Alison Lombardi, neither of whom sought re-election to the nonpartisan seven-member board.
Mayor Brett Baublitz was also on the ballot and was unopposed in securing another two-year term, receiving 351 votes, with 13 write-ins.
The newly elected members will join sitting councilpersons James Andrew, Kristyn Roethlisberger and Rob Endter, whose terms expire in 2027.
A total of 438 ballots were cast out of 2,088 registered voters, a turnout of 21 percent.
Hubbard, 37, co-owner of Unified Network Consulting, said during his campaign he would continue to prioritize public safety and long-term infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to aging water and sewer systems.
Vernon, 47, an underwriter at Spartan Insurance Agency, told The Herald she wants to strengthen communication between residents and city officials and encourages more community participation at council meetings. She also noted policing and enforcement as ongoing concerns.
Ester, 41, a scale house supervisor at ZFS Ithaca and volunteer firefighter, said he ran out of a sense of duty to the community, with a focus on maintaining adequate police protection and expanding recreation opportunities for families.
Padilla, 63, owner of Creative Moments, emphasized the importance of attracting visitors and supporting small businesses. He said he hopes to see residents more engaged in community activities.
Results will remain unofficial until canvassed and certified.
