REVERE, Ohio — Mike Kahoe, an 18-year-old senior at Revere High School and class vice president, was elected to the Revere Board of Education by voters Tuesday night.
In fact, Kahoe got the most votes – 22% of the 12189 votes cast, according to the county’s unofficial election results. Claudia Mendat Hower and Diana M. Sabitsch were also elected to the board with 19% and 18% of the votes, respectively.
Kahoe told News 5 before the election that if he won, he would be staying in his community after graduating.
"I'm going to go to school locally so that I can do the job of a board member and also go to college," Kahoe said.
Kahoe was campaigning for the position with a huge sign on the back of his pick-up truck, and by talking with Summit County voters.
"Sometimes I get a bit of a weird look, but I found that after I talk them or I talk to the people, I actually have conversations with them, they grow to like me," Kahoe said. "Yeah there's people who think I shouldn't be doing this, they think I'm too young."
Two of Kahoe’s opponents in the race talked to News 5 before the election about the young man’s campaign, and about their credentials and experience.
"You've got to give Mike full marks for his enthusiasm, for his interest," said Eric Brown, who is over five decades the senior to Kahoe. "Obviously I think my experience and background, 40 years with a major international corporation both here in the U.S. and Canada, I bring a perspective that unfortunately Mike hasn't earned at this time."
Brown failed to secure one of the three open board seats with just 12% of the vote.
"I'm really encouraged to see someone, Mike at his age, showing so much enthusiasm," said Greg Mauldin, who came in last with only 7% of the vote.
Kahoe told News 5 he hopes his age is seen as valuable.
"That's exactly why I'm running—because I'm young and I understand things that other board members couldn't because they're not in school right now," Kahoe said.
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