Meyer defeats incumbent commissioner, Harner to replace Sheriff Faulkner

Voters turn down sales tax for new complex

Election Day in Johnson County featured a highly contested race for County Commissioner.  Fred Meyer won, beating out incumbent Jeff Mears, with just under 58% of the vote.  His immediate response to the news he had won was, “I am very proud.  I have some things I want to accomplish, and I’m very pleased. I appreciate everybody’s vote that voted for me.  I’ll work hard for them.”

The ballot also held a race between Norman Suits and Charles Harner.  Harner, who had received the support of retiring sheriff Elry Faulkner, won the race by a landslide.  “I’m loving it.  I’m thankful to the citizens of Johnson County for believing in me. I’ve worked for the county for a while and everybody knows me.”

He expressed his desire to start learning the position.  “I’m going to get with Elry and see what all runs in the office.  I’ve done the work as a deputy, but I’ve never done it from that seat.  It’ll be more on the administrative side.”

In addition, voters were loud and clear in their desire to avoid a 1% county sales tax, voting No on that issue.  Fred Meyer’s vehement opposition of that tax, as well as his stance on the county building project likely played a role in both of those races.

The amendment to the state constitution on Crime Victims Rights was strongly supported in Johnson County, while the Voting Rights amendment is incredibly close.  Ultimately, the Voting Rights amendment was not supported in Johnson County.

Johnson County residents also oppose raising the minimum wage to $10.00 per hour, while showing support for both a tax for millionaires and health insurance issues.

A complete voter breakdown, by precinct in Johnson County, can be found in this week’s print or on-line editions of The Vienna Times. https://theviennatimes.com/subscriptions/