Nearly 65 percent of the Democrats who voted in Tuesday’s primary wanted to see Cowley County Commissioner Carmelita Clarkson re-elected. Only 35 percent supported?John Mars?in his effort to win the Democratic nomination.
Approximately 61 percent of the Republicans supported Alan Groom while only 40 percent wanted?Mark Eastman to go on to the November general election.
So, voters in November will decide whether Clarkson or Groom will take office in January. Both live in?Winfield. A second commissioner, Gary Wilson, is running for a second four-year term but faces competition in the general election from Bob Voegele.
Both Wilson and Voegele are Arkansas City area residents. Wilson is running on the Democratic ticket and Voegele on the Republican.
The county commission is comprised of three seats. The third commissioner, Dick Bonfy, is not up for re-election this year.
Clarkson spent 24 years in the county clerk’s office which included serving as election officer. She is completing her first term as commissioner.
"I thought there would probably be a better turnout due to the sheriff’s race," she said. "I was surprised at the low turnout we had. And I hate to see that because that’s your privilege to vote and I’m sorry people don’t take more advantage of it."
About 21 percent of registered voters turned out to vote Tuesday, according to election commissioner Karen Brooks.
Clarkson expects land use or zoning to be an issue in the race. "If land use planning comes up before the county commission, I will ask to have it put before a vote," she said.
"I think people deserve to have their voices heard," Clarkson said.
The role of the county administrator may also surface during the campaign. Clarkson said the only way she could support having an administrator is if the person also serves as economic development director.
"That would save a lot of tax dollars," she said.
Groom and his wife are in Oklahoma City where their son, Tyler, 17, is being evaluated for a heart transplant. They learned of his health issues the day after Groom filed for office. Friends called Tuesday night and this morning?to let him know he won the Republican nomination.
There wasn’t much time to campaign, he said. He put a few signs out a week before the county fair and spent one evening at the fair.
"I’ve got so many other things on my mind right now (the election) was the last thing on my mind," Groom said. "I’m committed to the county deal and will do the best I can. But, there are priorities and my son is a priority over that. We’ve not given up. We pray every day something good will come out of this."
Groom,?who owns a welding company and?has served as chairman of Rural Water District 4 eight years, ?believes people are ready for a bit of? change.
"I consider myself somebody who makes things happen," he said. "I’m hoping to put that toward the county commission."
Groom espects his son’s name to be added to the heart transplant list Friday. Tyler will be a senior this year.
