Election results in state and Clark County races can be found at www.columbian.com/election.
Experience trumped idealism in the race for Clark County sheriff.
Retired sheriff’s commander Chuck Atkins, a Republican, received 55.8 percent of the vote to nonpartisan Shane Gardner’s 44 percent, according to early election returns.
“I’m very happy,” Atkins said Tuesday night. “The people are saying they’re ready to follow me. I need to buck up, get in there and do the right things.”
Gardner, a sergeant who has worked for the sheriff’s office for 16 years, positioned himself as a candidate with new ideas. He focused on community-based policing, improvements to mental health and building partnerships with nonprofit groups.
While the social service sector supported Gardner, more traditional bastions of law enforcement backed Atkins.
Undersheriff Joe Dunegan, Prosecuting Attorney Tony Golik, Corrections Chief Ric Bishop and the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs all endorsed Atkins, who worked for the sheriff’s office for 35 years.
Making connections
Atkins said outgoing Sheriff Garry Lucas, who has held the position for 24 years and decided not to seek re-election, trusted him with positions of authority.
“I served him well, and it put me on this path,” Atkins said. “It was time for me to give back for all the time and training people put into me.”
He said the sheriff’s office has become stagnant, and he hopes to begin his term by connecting with employees.
“I’ve got to be with them, in front of them,” Atkins said. “I’ll start by listening to the community, as well.”
He credits Gardner with running a clean campaign.
“Regardless of who won, voters knew they had someone interested in the community,” Atkins said.
Gardner wasn’t ready to concede Tuesday night. He had 33,939 votes to Atkins’ 43,064, with an estimated 45,000 ballots left to count.
“It looks like an uphill climb, but we’re going to hold off a little bit to honor the folks who cast those ballots,” Gardner said. “It’s certainly not out of disrespect for my opponent. I have a ton of respect for Chuck.”
Gardner said he’s ready to work for Atkins when he takes office.
“We’ve got lots of work to do in our community,” Gardner said. “The great thing is, I get to go to work regardless.”
