Grayson County voters spoke loudly on Tuesday, as a new sheriff was elected by a wide margin, the incumbent county clerk easily outdistanced the opposition and an incumbent magistrate lost to a political neophyte, as 31 percent of eligible voters cast a ballot.
In the race to succeed longtime Sheriff Norman Chaffins, Clarkson Police Chief Buck Meredith defeated current Grayson County Chief Deputy Sonny Poteet 3,512 votes to 1,455 (70.7 percent to 29.3 percent).
Meredith, who served as a deputy in the sheriff’s officer under Rick Clemons, including a stint as chief deputy, was grateful for the victory.
“I feel very thankful. I can’t thank my supporters enough,” Meredith told K105. “I can’t begin to express how thankful I am to my supporters that believed in me. When you ask someone for their vote and their support, that should never be taken lightly. And I will never take that lightly.”
Meredith understands the assignment and understands that much work remains ahead.
“Although we have worked hard during this campaign, we understand that our work begins once we take office. And that’s what we plan to do; we plan to go to work,” he said.
The sheriff-elect was also thankful that Poteet ran an honest, tough campaign.
“I would like to thank the opposing team for running a clean race,” Meredith stated. “I think it was clean race from both sides.”
Grayson County Clerk
That move was parlayed into a successful election bid by Kessinger, as she defeated another longtime Clerk’s Office employee Stephanie Brooks 2,736 votes to 2,079 (56.2 percent to 43.2 percent).
3rd District Magistrate
In a somewhat surprising result, political newcomer Dustin King, a Leitchfield business owner, beat incumbent Brenda Huffman and Elissa Hudson.
King garnered 357 votes (44.1 percent of the vote) to Hudson’s 259 (31.9 percent) and Huffman’s 194 (23.9 percent).
4th District Magistrate
Incumbent Jason Dennis held onto his seat by defeating former Magistrate Damon Hornback by a wide margin: 505 votes to 325 (60.8 percent to 39.2 percent).
5th District Constable
Incumbent Mark Stanton easily held off a challenge from Matthew Logsdon, 595 votes to 325 (64.7 percent to 35.5 percent).
None of Tuesday’s winners will face Democratic challenges in November’s General Election.
Ballot measures
Two ballot measures, one asking if alcohol sales should be allowed in Clarkson, the other asking if alcohol sales by the drink should be allowed at a golf course in South Leitchfield, went in contrasting directions.
The alcohol beverage sales question in Clarkson was voted down, 105 to 87 (54.7 percent to 45.3 percent).
By the drink alcohol sales at a golf course in South Leitchfield was approved 119 votes to 79 (60.1 percent to 39.9 percent).
(Photo: Newly elected Grayson Co. Sheriff Buck Meredith and his wife Carla at the Walker Building in Clarkson celebrating Meredith’s victory)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
