Fourth county commission term for Neatherlin

Randy Neatherlin seems set to serve a fourth term on the Mason County Commission.

Neatherlin, an independent, received 15,338 votes for 55.11% on the first ballot count in the general election Tuesday while William Harris, a Republican, received 12,329 for 44.30% in their bid to represent District 1 for four years on the three-member commission.

In an interview Tuesday evening with the Journal, Neatherlin said he thought he was going to lose the race. He said his hours on his commission job kept him from campaigning by doorbelling, and he noted that Republicans were having a very successful night at the polls.

“I’m the most blessed man in the world … the honor I feel can’t be put into words,” he said.

The victory might mean const-

ituents “must be appreciative of what I do,” Neatherlin said.

“I actually do love these people,” he said. “They took care of me and my family.”

Harris, an Allyn resident who was running for public office for the first time, said he left Neatherlin a voice message congratulating him on his victory.

“I think the people have voiced their opinion,” said Harris, who was attending a gathering of fellow Republicans at the Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club. He added, “I thank people for participating in our democracy.”

Harris said it was difficult running against an incumbent.

“I find the hardest part of the campaign is communicating with people, getting the word out … It’s difficult to get the truth out,” he said.

He said he will continue his work on the Mason County Planning Commission and the Transportation Improvement Program Citizen Advisory Panel.