Putnam elects new commissioner

see election results for putnam county

Putnam County voters approved a renewal of a health levy and elected a new commissioner during the November 4 election.

Republican candidate Travis Jerwers defeated incumbent Democrat Robert Riepenhoff in his bid for county commissioner. Jerwers received 51.12 percent of the vote compared to Riepenhoff's 39.95 percent. Independent candidate Walter Pitney received 8.93 percent of the vote.

Jerwers said he believes he was elected to the position because voters believed he could serve them better than his opposition.

"Among the first things I will do after taking office is a detailed review of all sections of the budget and also increase the attitude of openness in government. The taxpayers are my employees."

Republican incumbent Tracy Warnecke was successful in her bid to be elected to continue to serve as treasurer. She was able to garner 69.49 percent of the vote compared to Democrat opposition Jodi Niese who received 30.51 percent of the votes.

"I believe people elected me to the position because I have been in office almost 20 months and have experience," Warnecke said. She was appointed to fill the position after former treasurer Robert Benroth was elected as auditor.

Clerk of Courts Democrat candidate Teresa Lammers was successful in her bid for re-election. She defeated Independent candidate Franklin Miller by receiving 82.72 percent of the vote.

The county-wide health levy passed easily with 70.03 percent of the voters giving their approval