CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Mike Oliver won a hotly contested race for Montgomery County sheriff Thursday, defeating Johnny Ransdell and Dexter Mines.
Oliver told Clarksville Now winning was “an ecstatic feeling.” He said the campaign was a “lot of hard work.” “A lot of people poured their heart and soul into this campaign,” he said. “My campaign team is the one to thank for all of this hard work paying off. It’s just a great feeling.”
Oliver won with 42.5% of the vote to Ransdell’s 34.2% and Mines’ 23.1%. Oliver will replace Sheriff John Fuson, who decided not to run for re-election.
Oliver: ‘It is time to set politics aside and focus on what matters’
While the race got heated at times, the mud-slinging seemed to come from the candidates’ supporters, with the three candidates being friendly with one another at campaign events.
In a statement on his campaign page, Oliver said, “As we move forward, it is time to set politics aside and focus on what matters most: protecting our schools, our neighborhoods, supporting the dedicated men and women of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, strengthening partnerships throughout our community, and ensuring that our Sheriff’s Office remains one that every citizen can trust.
“Beginning on day one, my administration will focus on building an organization that is accessible, approachable, and accountable. We will work to recruit and retain outstanding deputies, strengthen relationships with our community, increase transparency, and continue making Montgomery County one of the safest places to live, work, and raise a family.”…