CRESTVIEW — Despite a blizzard of campaign signs — especially near polling places — less than 30 percent of eligible voters cast ballots in Tuesday’s primary elections.
In campaigns particularly pertinent to North Okaloosa County voters, Laurel Hill native Mary Beth Jackson retained her superintendent of schools position.
Crestview Publix manager Tim Bryant was elected to the school board, and Crestview native Graham Fountain won a four-way race Board of County Commissioners’ District 1 chair, but his run isn’t over yet.
LAST-MINUTE CHALLENGE
Because Fountain, a former state law officer, faces a last-minute write-in candidate, he’ll return on the November ballot.
“Charles Baugh filed a write-in so we don’t take office ’til November,” Fountain said. “The good thing is the independents and the Democrats who didn’t get to vote for me will get to color the oval then.”
But winning a 47 percent majority over his opponents was an exciting victory, Fountain said.
“I’m tired!” he said. “I thought once you had a good win you’d sleep well, but I was so keyed up I don’t think I got more than an hour’s sleep.
“But I am really humbled that we did so well. I’m looking forward to rolling my sleeves up and getting to work and trying to make things better and serve our people.”
‘VERY HUMBLED’
Wednesday morning found Jackson pulling up campaign signs in the summertime heat.
“I am very humbled by the support we received from the voters,” she said. “I am so glad that we chose the path to be very positive in our campaigning.
“It takes a bit to soak in (that I won) while you’re still doing your day job. What was important was getting the message out about how good our district is. Pulling out signs, it’s kind of therapy. But it’s hot out!”
Bryant, too, was getting exercise Wednesday picking up campaign signs.
“It hasn’t all sunk in yet. I think it will shortly, once we start making meetings in the school system,” Bryant said. “I’m just excited that I can go in and hopefully be a positive influence on the school district and use my community ties to get people involved in what’s going on in education.”
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Bryant said while campaigning at a retirement village he realized that people don’t have to have children in the school system to contribute toward local education.
“They can still be a positive influence on our kids in the classes,” Bryant said. “You think something like being a crossing guard or reading to students is inconsequential, but they’re important. Those things make a big difference.”
While some contests in the recent election featured negative campaign ads, Bryant said he was grateful to his opponent, Dr. Charles Cawthon, for keeping things positive.
“I appreciate my opponent for putting up a well-fought race and I wish him and his family the best,” Bryant said.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: ELECTION: North Okaloosa candidates reflect on wins