Burke voters send Burns, Smith to November in commissioner race

Incumbent Burke County Commissioners Randy Burns and Phil Smith won the Republican primary Tuesday with 4,323 and 3,526 votes respectively and will advance to the November election for two seats on the board.

Burns and Smith will face Democrat Steve Starnes in the November general election for two seats on the board.

Newcomer Shawn Freeman received 2,804 votes. Tony Padgett, another newcomer, received 1,343.

“I would like to express my appreciation for everyone … who showed up in the county who voted, whether they voted for me or not,” Burns said, emphasizing the importance of people exercising their right to vote.

Burns said he is proud of how far commissioners have come with the county’s five-year capital improvement plan, having completed courthouse renovations and a brand-new EMS station. A new animal shelter will also be completed by the end of the month, and then the county will tackle a new facility for the Health Department and Department of Social Services.

Each capital project has been completed using state and federal grants. No local tax dollars were spent.

“I look forward to working for all the people of Burke County for the next term,” Burns said.

Smith expressed appreciation for everyone who supported him.

“I look forward to the contest in November and victory there and giving Burke another four years in advancement and moving us forward (by) investing in children, promoting small businesses, and supporting public safety,” Smith said.

As of press time, Freeman had not responded to The Paper.

Padgett, a firefighter with Oak Hill Fire & Rescue Protection Association, said, “I’d just like to thank all the firemen and emergency personnel in my family, and all the people that voted for me.”

Padgett said he will weigh his options and decide whether to pursue office again at a later time.

Less than 20% of eligible voters cast a ballot. North Carolina State Board of Elections data showed a 16.99% voter turnout for the primary, or 10,177 out of 59,916.