In elections, 84 votes is usually considered a razor-thin difference. With a final total of 508-424, Jim Talkington’s win over Don Bauer couldn’t be anything else but a close call.
Last night’s was a race between two candidates who were of similar mind. Both candidates struck conciliatory tones in terms of the relationship between county and city government.
Despite losing, Bauer was heartened by a responsive community that turned out in bigger numbers than he usually sees for a primary election.
“We had a good race,” Bauer said. “Most years we get maybe half the amount of people who voted tonight. I’m proud of the community for getting involved even though it didn’t go my way. It shows people care about what is going on in our town.”
Looking forward, Talkington knows that the result was anything but a mandate. While thankful the election results turned in his favor, Talkington is looking to get to work and prove to voters that they made the right decision.
“I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve,” Talkington said. “I’m looking forward to getting in and learning everything so I can get a full picture of what I need to do to serve the county well.”
According to Talkington, the issues he thinks resonated most with the electorate were the ambulance services consolidation process and the completion of the new Allen County Hospital.
“I’m interested to get in and work to make those things happen for the community,” said Talkington, referring to the two issues. “They’re both issues that need some serious consideration.”
Talkington is also looking forward to working with his fellow commissioners, Dick Works and commissioner-elect Tom Williams.
“Tom and I go to the same church,” Talkington said. “He is a good guy who is smart and is going to do a great job. Dick Works has served for a long time and has a ton of expertise that will be valuable going forward.”
Talkington will now wait until November for the general election to see if any write-in campaigns develop. While unlikely, Talkington won’t take anything for granted.
Talkington currently serves as a member of the Allen Community College Board of Trustees and will have to vacate his seat when he makes his official move to the commission.
“There’s a process that the board will work through,” Talkington said. “I’ll continue to serve until the time when that decision is ready to be addressed.”
