UPPER ARLINGTON (WCMH) – Tuesday night Upper Arlington residents voted against recalling four city council members. Results show roughly 60% voted against the recall, 40% in favor.

The election had a huge turnout. More than one and three residents voted on the issue that’s really divided residents in Upper Arlington. As the results came in council members said it’s time to start uniting the city again.

Council president Deborah Johnson and council members David Decapua, Kip Greenhill and John Adams were all up for recall in the special election. They cheered during an election night party at an Upper Arlington restaurant when they learned they would keep their seats.

“We had 60% of the people who agreed with us and we think that’s very validating,” said Council President Johnson.

“I always believed that they were great people doing the right things and tonight I feel total and complete validation by the residents so I couldn’t be happier,” said Councilman Decapua.

Stephen Buser who has lived in Upper Arlington for 40 years was one of the most outspoken in favor of the recall effort. He said he wishes it never came to this.

“As a last result. This was not ‘plan A’ for any of us,” said Buser. “But, we said at some point we have to recall them if they refuse to address the concerns people have.”

He said council members misled the public about a tax increase in 2014. Win or lose he said he thinks people’s voices are now being heard.

“I’m a big supporter of democracy.”

Council president Johnson said the special election was a waste of money.

“There are a lot of different ways that this could have been done if they felt deceived in an election, there are other ways and other venues to be able to take this to,” she said. All for council members agree there is a lot of healing to do moving forward.

“We have to have a discussion about what we have in common, not what we disagree with,” said Councilman Kip Greenhill.What others are clicking on: