Flint re-elected to Grant PUD

Incumbent elected to third term

EPHRATA - Incumbent Grant County PUD Commission President Tom Flint won the race for his seat by 3,898 votes - a 20.19 percent lead - against challenger Sam Johnson, according to preliminary election results.

Flint, a farmer, received 11,554 votes, or 59.84 percent. Johnson, a recently retired Grant PUD project specialist, got 7,656 votes, or 39.65 percent.

"I was extremely happy to see the support I got and certainly humbled by that," Flint said. "I'm extremely happy."

He thanked his close friends, family and the Fiber Active group that's been part of his campaign committee.

Flint, a seven year commissioner, said he ran again because he's been at the start of many projects he wants to see through completion.

He said he's been instrumental in getting the fish-friendly turbines started and he wants to see the PUD's fiber project completed.

"It's been really a privilege to represent people in Grant County in Olympia and Washington, D.C.," he said. "I want to continue to do that on a respected high level Grant County has had in the past."

Flint said he missed having past PUD Commissioner Vera Claussen, Ephrata pioneer Bob Holloway and Larry Peterson as part of his campaign group. The three people he named died during the past year.

Johnson said he got some attention during his campaign.

"I know I made some positive changes just in the campaign process, so that's a good thing," he said.

Johnson cited a recent decision by the commission to tape record all of its public meetings and post the recordings online.

Johnson said his campaign involved his concerns about how the commission and management weren't friendly.

"I don't know what they're going to do with the management and the fact they're forcing all the knowledge out," he said.

People need to be more involved, he said.

"There's things going on with the PUD they need to watch very carefully," he said. "It scares me, being a billion dollars in debt and no reserve power to make money on."

He thanked his wife Violet for her support during his campaign.

The couple had no knowledge of politics and started the campaign late, he explained.

"We did pretty good under the circumstances," Johnson said.

He also said he's not going away.

Grant County Auditor Bill Varney estimates between 5,000 to 6,000 ballots will come in this week. Local races are certified on Nov. 26.