In a pick-three race, the three Republicans running for Johnson County Council at-large came out on top.
Incumbent John Myers, of Trafalgar, will retain control of his seat, and Ron Deer and Melinda Griesemer, both of Greenwood, will join him on the council, which approves the county budget, manages tax dollars and considers new taxes.
Also running was Democrat Amanda Stevenson-Holmes, 44, a professor and public relations executive from Greenwood.
The top vote-getter was Myers with 33,774 votes, followed by Deer with 31,804 votes and Griesemer with 31,678 votes. Stevenson-Holmes was edged out of the race with 21,463 votes.
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Griesemer and Deer replace council members Josh Turner and Josh McCarty, both of whom chose not to seek re-election. The three will be part of the seven-member board.
Myers, 54, is a Greenwood police officer who was first elected to county council in 2012 and currently serves as the body’s president. Myers’ top goals for office are maintaining road infrastructure, planning a new building and expanded services for community corrections and keeping up with the county’s public safety needs.
“I’m honored to be able to serve another four years in a third term. It’s humbling … I’m really kind of speechless,” Myers said. “I mean, if it wasn’t for the Republican Party, Beth Boyce and all the volunteers. Beth really thought outside of the box to find little places to meet to pass out signs, and meet the people since they didn’t do the parades in Johnson County this year. If it wasn’t for the party itself, it could’ve been a lot different, but the party came together.”
Griesemer, 48, is a nurse and small business owner who previously served as a precinct committee person. For Griesemer, ensuring law and order by making sure the sheriff’s office has adequate funding, supporting small businesses and making sure the county keeps up with infrastructure needs are top of the list.
“I am honored to be elected to the Johnson County Council. Thank you to the Johnson County voters for your confidence in me. I have heard and listened to the concerns expressed to me throughout the election season. I will work to make the Johnson County Council more receptive to the heart of the residents of the county,” Griesemer said. “Thank you to my volunteers who were my constant support throughout both the primary and general elections. Ultimately, all things come from my Savior Jesus Christ and to Him, I give all glory.”
Deer, 70, is a retired management professional who previously served on Greenwood City Council for six terms. Deer’s top priorities include improved collaboration between the county and its cities and towns, monitoring more closely the impact of Interstate 69, and growing initiatives that bring economic development and tourism to the county.
“I’m excited that individuals have the confidence in me,” Deer said. “I’m looking forward to the next four years — to seeing how I can help meet the challenges that are coming in the next four years.”
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Ron Deer;26%
Melinda Griesemer;26%
John Myers;28%
Amanda Stevenson-Holmes;18%
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