MADISON COUNTY TURNS DOWN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TAX

FREDERICKTOWN - In an above average turnout, voters in Madison County strongly rejected a proposal to impose a county wide sales tax of one half cent for a period of eight years. The temporary tax, listed as Proposition J on the ballot, was to have been used to help encourage economic development in the county. The final tally was 1,136 in favor and 1,806 opposed.

In the race for sheriff, incumbent Verlon W. Young easily held off challenges from fellow Democrats Robert Bolling and John Garner. Young received 1,441 votes to Bolling's 741 and Garner's 133. In the only contested Republican primary, sheriff candidate Gary L. Asher won handily over Firman Francis and John Wright with over 63 percent of the vote. Asher received 539 votes. Francis and Wright received 185 and 129 votes, respectively. Young and Asher will meet in the general election this fall.

First District Associate Commissioner Don Myers defeated Democratic challenger Bill Killian, 740 votes to 403; while second district incumbent Willis DeSpain won narrowly with 593 votes to Tina M. Tinnin's 521. There were no Republican candidates for the county commission.

Earl E. Ealick, a Republican, will face Democrat Sue Smallen Harmon in the general election for county assessor. In a heavy field, Harmon won convincingly with 71 percent of the votes cast. Her 1,677 votes received was the highest vote total for a candidate of the evening.

Incumbent Democratic Public Administrator James D. Rauls defeated opponents Ray Statler and Roscoe Brewington with less than 50 percent of the vote. Rauls received 878 votes to Statler's 623 and Brewington's 655. No Republicans filed for the office.

Chris Follis was unopposed in the Democratic primary for coroner. He will meet Republican Jay Hansmann in the general election. Hansmann was also unopposed.

Democrat Douglas McFarland ran unopposed for the office of county surveyor. No Republicans filed.