Knox County election results indicate a public referendum on industrial solar development in Knox County.
Usually sleepy primary elections were energized by the solar debate and the voters sent a clear message against industrial solar developments.
Incumbent Knox County Commissioner, Thom Collier, who was publicly open to solar development came in last with less than 30% of Tuesday's vote, while his two opponents - who both campaigned opposed to industrial solar development in Knox County - collectively won over 70% of the vote.
Drenda Keesee unseated Collier who was seeking a third term on the commission.
In the lead up to the primary Kessee recounted calling out Collier over allowing large scale solar development without consulting neighboring landowners first.
Keesee, minister, businesswoman, author and TV host, came in first in the race followed by realtor Bob Philips with Collier falling into third place.
“It was interesting. Let's just say that I was always humbled and honored that people were willing to vote for me. I will work very hard for them,” Keesee told Mount Vernon News.
“I am humbled by their faith in me. And I'm looking forward to serving the people of Knox County. I love my community.”
Keesee will not face an opponent in the fall.
The other contest saw four candidates vying to replace outgoing commissioner Teresa Bemiller.
For that seat, Barry Lester was leading Scott Zimmerman by only 127 votes.
Coming in third was Jennifer Snow, a Licensed Real Estate Agent and Owner of Mister Builder and Mister Electric. Danville police officer Jeffrey Harmer came in fourth place.
Lester was hesitant to declare victory at press time on Wednesday given provisional ballots had yet to be counted. The final vote tally will be submitted in five days.
“All the candidates in my race were all good people,” Lester told Mount Vernon News. “Very passionate, wanting to do the right things for the county. I mean, they were just good people. They, there was no mudslinging in my race. Everybody was very clean and supportive of each other, so it was kind of nice.”
Lester said the night of Election Day Zimmerman congratulated him on the victory and offered to support the race could still go to a recount if provisional ballots decrease his lead to under 100 votes.
“It’s I think 100 votes that calls for a recount,” Lester said.
This fall the winner of that race will face Democrat Chuck Rogers who was unopposed in his primary.
