BY RAY SCHAEFER
Enquirer Contributor
FALMOUTH -- Pendleton County voters made changes at the top Tuesday.
Democrat Henry Bertram shocked incumbent Judge-executive Donald Mays by a vote of 1,191 to 1,035. Clay Clifford was third with 920 votes.
"It just shows that the county has made its decision," Mr. Bertram said. "We're all one group, and we need to use everybody's expertise for the ideas to advance this county for the next four years."
Mr. Bertram, a newcomer to Pendleton County politics, operates Licking River Castings. He ran Bertram's Service Center for 29 years before losing it in last year's flood, and he said his first role is to be a teacher.
"Infrastructure, planning and zoning are issues," Mr. Bertram said. "We've got to educate the people to the changes we will be undertaking."
Mr. Mays won just three of 11 precincts, his home of Butler, and the precincts of Sandsuck and Grassy Creek. As he twirled a gold-colored gavel in his office, he struggled for a reason for the loss.
"I have no idea," Mr. Mays said. "I lost, I lost. The better man beat me. We just got a new judge. I wish him well."
Falmouth resident Judy Prewitt waited at the county courthouse for the results, and she said residents want their opinions on planning and other issues heard.
"If (county officials) give the people a voice, they'll be more accepting of (planning and zoning)," Ms. Prewitt said. "It's been just a few telling us what's good for us."
Another incumbent Democrat, county attorney Jeffrey Dean, lost to former county attorney Donald Wells by a vote of 1,724 to 1,343.
"I just want to benefit the county in some way," Mr. Wells said. "I'm an adviser."
Here are results of the other contested races in Pendleton County:
Incumbent Anthony Messmer won the Magistrate District 1 race over fellow Democrats Billy Shepperd and Carlis McDowell.
Incumbent Democrat Joey Wells won Magistrate District 2 over Donald W. Cross, Leon Bonar and Lora Thompson.
Incumbent Democrat William Klaber beat Dennis Conner for the Magistrate District 3 spot.
Incumbent Democrat Jack Sumpter won the Magistrate District 5 race over Connie Fightmaster and Fred Rose.
Democrat David Dunaway upset incumbent Frank Jones in the Magistrate District 6 race.
In the Magistrate District 7 race, incumbent Democrat Lee Roy Faulkner beat William "Billy" Browning.
Jeffrey Dicken edged fellow Democrat Anthony Strong by just nine votes for the Magistrate District 8 spot.
Incumbent Sheriff Lark "Bud" O'Hara easily defeated Democrats Roger L. Calvert of Berry and Marty Allem Hart of Falmouth.
Incumbent Democrat James L. Kimble defeated M. Sue Boling for property valuation administrator.
