Thurmond, Gaines and Nix Post Victories Sheriff, Tax Commissioner Races Head for Runoff

DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. — Chairman-elect Billy Thurmond was taking a much deserved rest in Florida Wednesday after a landslide victory in last night’s General Primary election.

Thurmond received 3,041 votes to defeat his opponent Peter J. Hill by nearly a 3 to 1 margin.

“We worked real hard to pull this out and we’re very pleased with the results,” he said. Thurmond said his opponent called him to congratulate hi on running a clean race, something both candidates did.

When he returns on Saturday, Thurmond said he wants to get to work on a plan to improve employee retention. “We’ve lost a lot of people in the last five years. I know commissioners are looking at the pay scale not and that’s a good thing. I’m looking forward to working with them on a lot of things.”

Chris Gaines will be the other new face on the Board of Commissioners. Gaines, who will represent District 2, won a very close victory over Tim Davis with 2,015 votes to Davis’ 1,924.

District 4 Commissioner Julie Hughes Nix received 2,556 votes to beat Heather Hulsebus who had 1,495.

Elsewhere, there will be a runoff in the Sheriff and Tax Commissioner races.
Tony Wooten was the top vote getter Tuesday with 1,526 to Jeff Johnson’s 1,156.

The two will meet in the Jume 26 runoff.

Andi Henson Juliette led the way in the Tax Commissioner’s race with 1,212 votes. But Nicole Stewart was a close second with 1,025, enough to secure a place in the runoff.