Sumner earns win over incumbent
BEMIDJI – Tim Sumner of Redby defeated incumbent Quentin Fairbanks in Tuesday’s election for District 4 commissioner on the Beltrami County Board, the only contested county race.
“I’m glad the people have spoken, and I plan on representing them and working hard for them,” Sumner said. “I want to thank the people for getting out and voting, whether it was for me or not. They are entitled to their vote, because their vote is their voice.”
In complete but unofficial results, Sumner had 49.4 percent of the vote to Fairbanks’ 37.3 percent. Vote totals were 1,767 for Sumner, 1,336 for Fairbanks and 476 for write-in candidates, representing 13.3 percent of the vote.
“After 12 years, it was a relief,” said Fairbanks, who had served 12 years on the board, including as chair this year. “At first I didn’t think it would be.”
He said he didn’t stay up awaiting the returns late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.
“I got up (in the morning) and checked my computer.”
The election was for a four-year term. Joe Vene and Jim Lucachick ran unopposed for District 2 and 5 county commissioner seats, respectively, also for four-year terms.
Also unopposed were candidates for Beltrami County Soil and Water supervisor offices: Rob Knudson in District 2 for a two-year term and Ruth A. Trask in District 3 and Jeff Haack for District 4 for two-year terms.
MOLLY MIRON contributed to this article.
