The former vice chairman of the Madison County Republican Party has bested two others, including the incumbent, for the Republican nomination to run for the Madison County Board District 3 Seat in November.
Phil Chapman secured the Republican nomination with 47 percent of the ballots, while District 3 incumbent and runner-up Bill Meyer managed 42 percent. Just under 100 votes separated the two candidates.
Political newcomer Rodney Dustmann, received just over 10 percent, or 199 votes.
In an emailed statement to the Record, Chapman said the voters of District 3 “signaled they want change.”
“I respect Mr. Rodney Dustmann and incumbent William S. Meyer,” Chapman stated. “As we move forward to the general election, may we leave any differences behind and work to help Madison County.”
Meyer, who has been the District 3 board member for 15 years, said he is committed to lower taxes, pledging to fight for a 20 percent decrease in the general levy, a 10 percent decrease in the county's portion of the property tax levy and “audits to eliminate waste.”
“I seek to limit government and improve the Madison County economic climate,” Chapman said.
The victory comes in a primary race that saw Chapman criticize Meyer for continually siding with the Madison County Board’s Democrat majority, stating the incumbent had “lost his way.” Meyer rebuffed those claims, arguing that significant democratic majority on the board required any Republican to find ways to work with Democrats.
“You can’t bang your fist and make demands, not when you’re in the minority,” Meyer told the Record last December.
In his statement, Chapman called out voting issues throughout the district, including long lines at the Highland voting precincts after polling places temporarily ran out of ballots. He said he would work with both parties to solve the issue, including asking that the precinct be eligible for early voting.
As part of his campaign pledge, Chapman also said he would not accept a county pension.
“Looking ahead I ask for my fellow citizens’ support in the general election,” Chapman said. “If elected in the fall, I ask for your prayers to discharge my duties representing you faithfully and well.”