By Brittany Llorente
Staff writer
MARTIN COUNTY - On Aug. 14, 34,549 ballots were cast in the primary election in Martin County Those votes decided who would move onto the November elections, and nine other open positions in the county, including sheriff and superintendent of schools.
Three of the primaries, including sheriff, were open to all Martin County residents because the Republican candidates faced no other party's opposition.
William Snyder won the sheriff's seat over David Dees and John "Ski" Pietruszewski.
"I want to take a moment and thank everyone for their unwavering support," Mr. Snyder posted to his Facebook page Tuesday night.
"I couldn't have achieved this victory without the hard work and dedication of each of you. Day after day you worked to make the Snyder for Sheriff Team better and stronger. You are the reason for this victory. I am blessed to have each of you in my life! Thank you and God Bless!"
Laurie Gaylord bested Nancy Kline, who served as superintendent of schools for the last four years.
Ms. Gaylord thanked her entire team via her Facebook page Thursday night.
"I am humbled by the outpouring of support we received from the entire community," she said. "I appreciate all of the hard work and dedication you gave to the campaign. From hosting events, helping with fundraising, building our signs, walking neighborhoods, waving signs and working our polls, I am thankful to each of you for your longstanding support!"
The two open seats in the school board were the won by the slimmest margins in the election.
For the school board District 5 seat, Michael DiTerlizzi defeated Jacki Jackson by 407 votes, totaling less than 1 percent.
"I was a commissioner for eight years and one of my goals was to get on the school board and affect positive change," Mr. Diterlizzi said. "I want to end the bickering and the fighting and get everyone to agree on the best way to help the children."
In a three-way race for school board District 2 seat, Marsha Powers beat Tony George and Jeff Ralicki to the finish line by a narrow 238 votes.
"I am so thankful & humbled by all the support I have received," Ms. Powers said on her election Facebook page. "You all are amazing! With your support, we had more votes than any other candidate."
There were three county commission seats open in three different districts.
Incumbent Doug Smith, won against Henry Copeland and Tom Fullman for the District 1 seat.
John Haddox beat Brandon Tucker for the District 5 seat.
"It's nice when you put a lot of hard work into a campaign that you come out as a winner," said Mr. Haddox who is looking forward to the next couple months.
"I will be meeting community leaders and preparing myself to get sworn in and serve the community."
County commission District 3 seat winner Anne Scott beat Patrick Hayes in the primary, and goes on to face independent Craig Woll in the general election.
For property appraiser, incumbent Laurel Kelly held out against R.C. "Rick" Lussy.
The general elections will be held on Nov. 6. Visit www.martinvotes.com for more information.