Paris repeats in Asotin; Peasley wins in Pomeroy

Asotin hung on to its mayor Tuesday night, but Pomeroy elected a new city leader.

Dwayne Paris, 50, retained his Asotin role for another four years, and Jack Peasley, 65, will take the reins from longtime Pomeroy Mayor G. Paul Miller.

Paris beat challenger Theresa Bailey by 197 votes to 80 votes.

When contacted by phone, Paris, who works for Clearwater Paper, said he was pleased with the outcome and grateful to the community.

“I would like to thank everyone for the support they’ve shown me over the past four years, and I’ll work hard to make sure I’ve earned it for the next four,” Paris said.

Peasley, who works for the Southeast Washington Economic Development Association and owns a small business, ousted Miller by 402 votes to 109. Miller, a former municipal judge and school administrator, served in the role for 12 years.

“I want to thank everyone for all of their support, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve this community,” Peasley said on election night.

Pomeroy also had two city council races on the ballot.

Roni Field defeated incumbent James R. Fuchs by 298 votes to 201 for Position No. 2. Kurt L. Tetrick beat Leann Clayton by 386 votes to 108 in the Position No. 3 contest. Voter turnout in Garfield County was at 46%.

Clarkston voters gave the nod to the annual emergency medical services levy with 67% in favor of the property tax for ambulance services. The tally was 538 yes votes to 271 no votes.

The EMS levy, which usually passes by a large margin, is estimated to cost property owners $1.45 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

Voter turnout was low in Asotin County as of Tuesday night. Auditor Darla McKay said 27% of registered voters had returned ballots. Any ballots that arrive in the mail today or later with the correct postdate will be counted Thursday, and the official results will be certified on Nov. 28.

Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com.