In Ahmann out? Steve Gardner likely to be next Kandiyohi County Commissioner for District 2 and Ahmann and Gardner recount on for Kandiyohi County Commissioner District 2 seat, we've written about former Willmar city council member Steve Gardner's kitten whisker margin of victory.
The West Central Tribune reported earlier today in Gardner confirmed the winner following Kandiyohi County Board District 2 recount:
Steven Gardner will be sworn in as the next Kandiyohi County Commissioner in District 2, following the recount performed Friday. He defeated incumbent commissioner Steve Ahmann 1,440 to 1,422.
Gardner increased his lead over Ahmann by 5 additional votes, while Ahmann's total remained the same.
The recount was requested by Ahmann, who trailed Gardner by 13 votes prior to the recount. Once the recount was completed, that difference widened to 18 votes. . . .
The transition looks like it will be a smooth one. The West Central Tribune's Shelby Lindrud reports in Gardner wins Kandiyohi County Board seat; Ahmann says he's enjoyed his 20 years of public service:
. . . "I am happy we got a resolution to it," Gardner said. "I am looking forward to getting on with the work."
Ahmann, who is finishing his first term on the County Board, said he accepts the results.
"The vote was tallied and it is correct and I believe the process is correct," Ahmann said. "The final tally was in favor of Mr. Gardner. A very close race." . . .
Each campaign was allowed two representatives to directly watch the recount. Ahmann and his wife, Heidi Jo Ahmann, were on hand, as were Bruce deBlieck and Rebecca Trongaard, acting as representatives for Gardner, who was unable to attend the recount. . . .
While his re-election campaign did not end the way he had hoped, Ahmann said he has nothing to complain about.
"I had 20 years of good service," said Ahmann, who served 16 years on the Willmar City Council before being elected to the Kandiyohi County Board in 2016. "I have 20 years of people putting their trust in me. I think that is a win as far as I am concerned."
Gardner said he is looking forward to representing District 2 and the county as a whole once he is sworn into office in January.
"We worked really hard to make our case to the voters," Gardner said. "They seemed to like what we had to say. I look forward to working on their behalf over the next four years."
That's the sort of faith in the election process we like to see.
Photo: Kandiyohi County Commissioner-elect Steve Gardner, via West Central Tribune.
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