Buzard wins District 5 county commission seat

Republican Kendell Ray Buzard won the District 5 Roosevelt County Commission seat Tuesday.

Buzard received 70 percent of votes, winning over Democrat Rodney L. Payne, with 30 percent.

County Clerk E. Janet Collins said vote totals could change when provisional ballots are counted Friday.

Buzard will take over for current Commissioner Paul Grider, who has served two terms.

Buzard said his win was great, and he had no specific agenda.

“I intend to get in there and work hard and try to do a good job for the community,” he said.

Grider’s shoes are big ones to fill, Buzard said, but he plans to do the best he can. He thanked the voters who supported him.

Payne spoke well of his opponent.

“I’m proud for Kendell,” Payne said. “He’ll do a good job; he’s a good friend.”

Payne said he enjoyed the race and appreciated the support he’d received.

Republican Scott L. Burton ran unopposed to take the District 4 county commission seat. He will replace two-term Commissioner Gene Creighton.

Commissioner Billy Cathey ran unopposed to serve a second term in the District 3 seat.

Of the eligible voters in the county, 47 percent went to the polls.

“I think it’s very good,” Collins said of the turnout. “Forty-seven percent is better than I’ve seen in a long time.”

The voting went smoothly with only minor questions throughout the day, she said.

“I’m just really proud of how well my workers and my election people did,” Collins said.