Sharp wins assessor's race

Shannon Sharp, who defeated Gary West in the Republican primary for Garland County assessor on Tuesday, says she is "glad to have it over with."

Since there are no Independent, Democratic or write-in candidates, Sharp, a chief deputy assessor, is effectively Garland County's next assessor. The general election is Nov. 4.

Garland County Assessor Tommy Thompson announced last year that he would not seek re-election, and planned to retire after he finishes out his current term this year.

Sharp received 5,234 votes and West, an equalization board member and realtor with 1st Choice Realty, received 4,182 votes.

"I'm glad to have it over with," Sharp said. "It's been a long and hard trail but exciting as well. I was able to meet a lot of great people while out campaigning."

Sharp said her goal after she takes the office is to "treat everyone fairly and in an equitable manner."

"I'll assess property at market value," Sharp said. "I also want to keep up with technology as it advances and make things more accessible online."

West attributed his loss to low voter turnout and the fact that Sharp already currently works in the Garland County assessor's office.

"It's hard to beat someone currently in an office," West said. "I'm OK, though; life goes on. I'm fine where I'm at. I thank the people that voted for me."

When asked if he'd consider running for an elected office again in the future, West said "I'll never say never with anything."

Thompson and County Judge Rick Davis split their endorsements in the race. Thompson endorsed Sharp, and Davis endorsed West.

In other election news Thursday, the Garland County Election Commission announced it will perform logic and accuracy testing on voting machines to be used in the primary runoff for June 10. The demonstration of voting machines will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at the election commission building, 649-A Ouachita Ave.

The commission is expected to meet May 30 to certify the results of Tuesday's preferential primary and nonpartisan judicial general election.

Local on 05/23/2014

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