FAIRMONT —
Republican Ernest “Ernie” Vangilder and Democrat Joe Manchin IV have taken the top slots for the Marion County Commission race.
Unofficial counts from Tuesday’s Democratic primary election showed Manchin claiming 3,203 votes, or 35.09 percent of the vote over Budd Sapp, who had 2,820 votes, or 30.90 percent of the vote.
Rounding out the Democratic race were Ron Straight with 2,076 votes, or 22.75 percent, and Virginia “Ginger” Kirby with 1,028 votes, or 11.26 percent.
Vangilder had 58.57 percent of the Repbulican vote with 1,466 votes, while incumbent Guy Ward had 1,037 votes, or 41.43 percent. Ward had been appointed to the commission seat following the death of Wayne Stutler in December.
For the two primary winners, this is only the beginning as they focus on the same mantras they carried throughout their respective campaigns.
Going into the election, Vangilder said he was confident in what the outcome would be, adding that he was impressed with the voter turnout.
Having years of experience working in business, Vangilder said he would refer to his business sense, budget sense and common sense philosophy if he’s elected to the county commission seat in November. Not only does he want to build on the tax base, but he wants to bring businesses into the county. As he looks around Marion County, he knows there is more potential to uncover.
“We need to bring some new people here,” he said. “All around us, to me, I see opportunities. We need to start with assisting those businesses.”
Manchin expressed his appreciation for the other candidates who ran in the election, adding that he was thrilled to take the Democratic nomination.
“Just winning is such an honor and such a humbling experience that people trusted in me thus far,” he said. “I am a better candidate today than I was in January, and that’s a testament to the other candidates. For that, I am thankful.”
If elected in November, Manchin wants to take full advantage of the opportunity, treating the county commission seat as a full-time job. Listening to people’s concerns while trying to make Marion County a desirable place to work, live and play is important for him.
“I want to be accessible, and I want the people to have a voice and be able to listen to their concerns,” he said. “We’re sitting in the most prosperous spot of our state, and some days you wake up and realize we’re left behind. I want Marion County to be a place people want to work, live and play. I really want our county to reflect just that.”
Ward couldn’t be reached for comment by press time.
Email Nicole Lemal at nlemal@timeswv.com.
Politics
Related Photos
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City Clerk Janet Keller receives data cards to be tabulated from Rachel Colasessano as Jessica Graffius and Courtney Donato tabulate votes. The last precinct arrived at the Marion County Election Center at 8:47 p.m. By 9:07, all the votes had been tabulated. PHOTO BY TAMMY SHRIVER
Manchin, Vangilder top commission field
To vie for seat now held by Ward
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