Five candidates for Richmond County Commissioner competed for three open seats on the county board, and with the numbers in, incumbent Democrat Kenneth Robinette, incumbent Democrat John Garner and newcomer Democrat Jimmy Capps will take those seats.
Incumbent Democrat Garner received the most votes, totalling 11,599, or 25.1 percent. Newcomer Capps followed close behind with 11,290 votes or 24.4 percent, and incumbent Democrat and previous chair of the board Kenneth Robinette received 10,921 votes, or 23.6 percent.
Challenger and Republican Donnie Richardson received 7,095 votes, or 15.3 percent, and Republican Georgia Cagle received 5,335 votes, or 11.5 percent of the ballots cast in the race.
“I appreciate the confidence the people of Richmond County have bestowed upon me,” said Garner Tuesday night after election results were tallied. “My promise to the people is to live up to their expectations.”
Robinette, who will begin his 5th term, said he promises no one will work harder at moving Richmond County forward than him.
“I appreciate Richmond County for giving me the opportunity to continue to serve them for another four-year term,” said Robinette. “I’ve worked hard and I thank my supporters. We’re going to continue to move this county forward.”
Robinette said he looks forward to working with newcomer Capps, who was unavailable for comment Tuesday evening after results came in. Capps will take the seat of Commissioner Peggy Covington.
Richardson offered his support to the newly-elected Commissioners.
“Congratulations to the winners,” said Richardson Tuesday evening. “The people of Richmond County need to follow these people and keep moving forward.”
Cagle was unavailable for comment.
Although all precincts reported their ballot numbers to the Richmond County Board of Elections before 9 p.m., provisional ballots have yet to be counted. According to Board of Elections staff, the provisional ballots will be counted during the State Board of Elections’ canvas, or final meeting at which all votes are approved.
— Staff Writer Dawn M. Kurry can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 15, or by email at dkurry@heartlandpublications.com.
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