ELDON — Miller County voters elected a trio of new faces to county leadership during Tuesday’s primary election.
Kevin Cardwell won his bid for presiding commissioner with 2,165 votes, or 56.75 percent of the vote, according to unofficial election night results.
Cardwell has deep roots in the community. He said his family settled in the Miller County area in the mid-1800s and that, through careers in farming, electrician work and construction, he had enough connections in the area to make a difference. Having considered a run for office for some time, he finally joined the race this year with a focus on these newer issues while also prioritizing local infrastructure.
“I’m really just excited to get started and work with the current commissioner, Tom Wright, for him to show me the ropes,” Cardwell said. “I’m chomping at the bit. Our history runs deep here, and I’m excited to get in office and try to improve the county as I can.”
Cardwell won against Bob Toalson, an Eldon resident with a long history as a local business owner, who received 1,650 votes.
Longtime local attorney Matt Howard won his bid for prosecuting attorney with 2,110 votes or 52.8 percent of the vote. Howard began appearing in Miller County court almost 37 years ago, beginning as an assistant prosecutor while still in law school. He said he launched his bid for the office after hearing from the citizenry and law enforcement about a decrease in conviction rates and the number of people who were part of treatment programs or facilities, both of which he said had decreased by around a third while local crime has remained steady.
“I’m so gratified by the support from the community,” Howard said. “I’m looking forward to the transition and getting started.”
Howard defeated veteran Gerrard “Jay” Harms for the position. Harms received 1,885 votes.
Kathy “Kate” Plemmons, who won the record of deeds office with more than 58 percent of the vote at 2,225 votes. Plemmons, who has lived in the area for more than 30 years and has been with the recorder’s office for around 3 1/2 years, said she was approached by the outgoing recorder to replace her. She had previously spent more than a decade in banking and 14 years in education with the Iberia R-5 School District.
“I’m super excited to be the next recorder,” she said. “I can’t wait to continue the great customer service the county is used to.”
Plemmons won against Jenna Lawson, an employee of the circuit clerk’s office. Lawson received 1,584 total votes.
All three are Republicans with no Democrats in their respective races.
Uncontested candidates this election included incumbents Clinton Jenkins for county clerk, Sheila Curtman for circuit clerk, Phil Lawson for county treasurer, Jody Plemmons Vance for collector of revenue and Jon Kalternbronn for associate circuit judge.
The county saw 4,573 votes, amounting to 27.3 of the turnout.
Matt Howard (Submitted photo)