Kirk Boxleitner

kboxleitner@ptleader.com

Dan Toepper is the new commissioner for District 3 of the Jefferson County Public Utility District.

As the unofficial results posted  Nov. 9, Toepper received 8,896 votes, 50.86 percent, while his opponent, Tom Brotherton, received 8,594 votes, 49.14 percent, out of 17,490 total votes, not counting write-ins. An automatic recount would be triggered only if the difference between the candidates is 0.5 percent. 

The results will be certified Nov. 27.

Toepper thanked the people of Jefferson County “for being tolerant of political signs, strangers on your property and all the dogs barking that transpired from knocking on your doors,” as well as their “courtesy, understanding and support” for his candidacy.

“I shall endeavor to be worthy of your trust and your faith in my ability to be an approachable, accountable and respectful commissioner for the PUD,” Toepper said. “It is my deepest hope that my election to this office is a signal by the voters of Jefferson County that people from all political and ideological beliefs can learn to come together for the common good. Honest, open and respectful dialogue is an important goal to me.”

Toepper said he intends to pursue the goals of emergency management planning, fiscal responsibility and “a higher level of transparency and outreach” for the PUD and its employees.

Brotherton urged those who supported him to join him in congratulating Toepper and offering him “our good will and earnest efforts to find ways to come together” for the mutual benefit of the county.

“In a contest as long and difficult as this has been, his success alone commands my respect for his ability and perseverance,” Brotherton said. “That he managed to do so by inspiring the hopes of so many Jefferson County residents, who had believed they had little influence in local elections, is something I deeply admire and commend him for achieving.”