CEDAR CITY — In the race for Iron County Commission’s seat “C,” political newcomer Ken Robinson defeated former Cedar City Mayor Maile Wilson Edwards by nearly a 2-to-1 margin.
According to the still-unofficial vote totals released Tuesday night, Robinson received 5,964 votes (66.4%), while Wilson Edwards garnered 3,025 votes (33.6%) out of nearly the 9,000 votes cast by registered Republicans countywide.
Iron County Clerk Jonathan Whittaker said that fewer than 500 ballots remain uncounted, most of which are still in the locked collection boxes from the end of the day Tuesday.
“We also have any remaining mail ballots that may still come in, plus less than 50 provisional ballots,” he said.
In a telephone call to Cedar City News on Wednesday morning, Robinson expressed his appreciation for the support he received.
“It’s just very humbling to me to get the support that I’ve received,” he said. “I’m appreciative to the voters of the county, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve and to represent Iron County.”
Robinson’s primary victory means he will appear unopposed on the general election ballot in November. He said he’s already looking forward to serving on the three-member commission, where he’ll join Mike Bleak and Paul Cozzens.
Robinson said that as he spends the next several months preparing to take office, he’ll focus on developing relationships with state legislators and government entities “and make sure that our private land use and rights are protected and that public and private land opportunities are protected.”
“You learn from the individuals that are in the battle every day,” Robinson said. “So you’ve got to make sure that you’re developing those relationships, and working towards those things.”
Robinson added that he especially appreciates the help and advice that he received during the campaign.
“It’s something I’ve never done, so I needed to be coached up,” he said. “There were those that were willing to step up and help me so I’m very appreciative to them.”
Meanwhile, Robinson’s opponent Maile Wilson Edwards also reached out to Cedar City News to express her appreciation.
“I truly appreciate all the support throughout this campaign,” she said. “While I didn’t get the outcome I wanted, my commitment to our county remains unchanged.”
Wilson Edwards also congratulated Robinson on his victory, saying, “I would like to congratulate Ken and wish him the best as he becomes our next Iron County Commissioner. I challenge him to be accountable and transparent with his decisions and remember he serves all the residents of our county.”
Wilson Edwards also thanked her supporters, as well as everyone who voted.
“It’s critical that we all continue to exercise our right to vote,” she said.
“I appreciate each and every one who joined me on this journey,” she added. “Your support truly matters and isn’t taken for granted.”
In addition to Robinson being unopposed on the Nov. 5 ballot, four other county-level races will also be uncontested in Iron County, as incumbents Carri Jeffries (recorder/surveyor), Karsten Reed (assessor), Lucas Little (auditor) and Nicole Rosenberg (treasurer) are all seeking re-election to new four-year terms.
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