PRINEVILLE, OR -- The race for Crook County Judge is now a two-person contest. County Commissioner Ken Fahlgren was the top vote getter, Tuesday, with 40% of votes cast. Fahlgren tells KBND News Crook County is in the midst of some positive growth processes. “We will be gaining jobs at the airport; jobs in our community. Growth through a Connect Oregon grant for over $2 million, it looks like it is a success, or will be in the summer. Another 1.6-million that will be through FAA, and all of which might create 60 new jobs. It feels like we have a glass half full.” Fahlgren also points to the completion of the three-year, 15-mile Milliken Road project as another sign of positive energy in Crook County.
He will face fellow Commissioner Seth Crawford, who took nearly 38%. Crawford plans a door to door campaign, spreading the same message he did for the primary. “Long term budget planning, fighting for our forests, family-wage jobs and Crook County values. You know, people that trust in God, believe in the constitution, and appreciate our land.”
The third candidate for County Judge was former Chair of the Central Oregon Patriots, Craig Brookhart. He received only 21% of the vote.
The field of seven candidates for Crook County Commissioner Pos. one, currently held by Fahlgren, was whittled down to two in last night’s primary. With 40% of the vote, retired Prineville Public Works Director Jerry Brummer came in first. Brummer says his campaign will focus on the need for a new Crook County jail, and infrastructure improvements to attract new business, including a new access road for Juniper Canyon. “There’s 20% to 25% of the county’s population lives up Juniper Canyon and there’s only one way in and one way out. So we need to get a second access out of Juniper Canyon which will also help with the traffic flow here in downtown Prineville.”
He'll take on Prineville City Councilor Jason Carr in November, who earned 21% of votes cast. Carr tells KBND News his main focus is on economic development and job creation. “We still have one of the highest unemployment rates in Oregon and some issues with high poverty rates and so getting people to work. It’s great if there’s a job somebody can have in Bend or Redmond but that added commute is another expense, so it’s finding local jobs for the local people that live here.”
