MOUNT VERNON — Knox County voters returned Republican Bill Pursel to a fourth term on the Board of Commissioners and supported senior services by decisive margins.
Pursel took a commanding lead early and held it throughout the night, ultimately defeating Democrat challenger Chuck Rogers 68.44% (16,332) to 31.56% (7,532), according to final, unofficial tallies from the Knox County Board of Elections.
“It is always, always important for me to share my thankfulness for my supporting wife, Peggy Pursel, and for my family and good friends who constantly lift me up in their prayers and provide other valuable support,” Pursel said.
“We live in the beautiful county of Knox, which is filled with creative and loving people. It is the Knox County residents who have honored and blessed me by allowing me to be a servant to them. I send my special ‘thank you’ to the members of my community who supported me through the placement of signs and voting for me.”
Pursel said voters can trust he will do everything within his power to live up to the faith and trust that has been placed upon him.
“Thank you for your support. Be blessed and be a blessing,” he said.
Rogers said that although he did not get the result he hoped for, he is happy is that his candidacy gave the county another option in a local race.
“Several past elections in this county have been only one party running uncontested. I wanted to change that and we did that today,” he said.
“We gave the people another option. I want to thank every single person that voted for me in this election. I will continue to serve my community as I have for the last several years.”
Voters send clear message on senior levy
Voter passage of the senior levy renewal provides stability for local agencies who provide services for seniors. The 5-year, 0.79-mill levy will continue to generate $1,155,031 annually.
Voters approved the renewal by a 22% margin, with 14,621 voters voting for the renewal (61.10%) and 9,309 voting no (38.9%).
Tuesday’s results are unofficial until the Knox County Board of Elections certifies them.
