Three Republicans were elected to the Johnson County Council, after facing challenges from three Libertarians.
Voters elected a political newcomer, a previous council member and an incumbent to the seven-person board. The county council reviews and approves how much the county spends on roadwork and sheriff’s deputies, among other county government expenses, and can approve new taxes.
Josh McCarty, who previously served on the council, won one of the three at-large seats with 27 percent of the vote. John Myers was re-elected to the council after winning 26 percent of the vote. And Josh Turner will join the council for the first time in January after earning 24 percent of the vote.
The three Republicans had earned their party’s nomination after a seven-person race in the primary election. This fall, they faced a challenge from three Libertarian candidates. Rodney Benker won 8 percent of the vote, Damian Stanziano got 7 percent and Brian Thueme earned 8 percent of the votes.
The three Republicans will take office in January for a four-year term.
The council has the ability to approve new taxes, but all six candidates emphasized in their campaigns the need to prevent taxes from increasing and some advocated to lower taxes.
They will join four other members of the county council who were not up for election this year.
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Johnson County Council
Rodney Benker (L);11,849
Josh McCarty (R);38,393
John Myers (R);36,374
Damian Stanziano (L);10,068
Brian Thueme (L);11,161
Joshua Turner (R);33,984
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