Walters bests Dewes

After eight years of service as Crow Wing County commissioner for District 4, incumbent Gil Dewes was defeated in Tuesday's election.

Challenger Gary Walters was elected by a vote of 2,860 to 2,228. Walters received 56 percent of the vote and Dewes received 44 percent.

"I was very disappointed and surprised," said Dewes. "But it's not the end of the world ... I have a million things to do."

Dewes said he wanted to serve one more term to continue his work, including his efforts with the Thirty Lakes Watershed District.

"I thought it'd (race) be tight ... real close," said Dewes. "But I always felt that I would win."

Dewes, who spent $3,000 on his campaign, said he will continue to follow county issues, but will not sit in on the board meetings.

Walters said, "It was good to see the numbers and to see a victory. Now I have to start working hard. I am looking forward to working with the current commissioners."

Walters said he did not know what to expect with the results and thought that the race would have been closer.

"Gil's been around for awhile and he is a nice guy," said Walters.

In the primary race, Dewes led the race with 42 percent of the vote and Walters received 36 percent and Byron Eliseuson received 22 percent.

Walters, who also spent about $3,000 on his campaign, said one of his goals is to make sure the public is informed about county matters, especially planning and zoning issues.