With nearly a two-to-one vote in his favor, Tom Williams put a final punctuation on a race that was defined by an ambulance services issue that came back to haunt incumbent Rob Francis.
Elected four years ago on a platform of ambulance consolidation, Francis was adamant throughout the campaign that the issue was a complicated one. Williams doesn’t disagree that the issue has its challenges but is confident he, along with other elected officials, will be able to get it resolved.
“I know we can get something done on the ambulance issue,” Williams said. “I’m looking forward to working on it to get things resolved. [Francis] ran four years ago on this same thing and I think the voters expected results. I put my faith in the voters going into this election and I hope that their faith in me won’t be misdirected. I’m going to work hard for them.”
Fellow commissioner-elect Jim Talkington won Tuesday night, a result that Williams hailed as a positive for the county.
“Jim is a great guy,” Williams said. “I’m looking forward to working with him and Dick Works on anything we will face. We’ll be looking for solutions in everything we do.”
In the meantime, Williams, who serves currently as Allen County Sheriff, won’t rest on the results of Tuesday night. While he will continue to serve in his current position, Williams will move with an eye toward preparing himself for January.
“I’ll be doing a lot of fact-finding and staying up on the issues of concern for the county,” Williams said. “I’ve already started that process by setting up meetings with people who are knowledgeable about everything going on with the ambulance issue. I think when it comes time to move into office I’ll be ready.”
The Iola Register attempted to reach Rob Francis for comment but he was was unavailable as of Wednesday morning.
