Booth advances to face Farris in sheriff's race

Democrat Mike Booth advances in the Pottawatomie County sheriff’s race after defeating incumbent Kurt C. Shirey by 337 votes in a run-off Tuesday. Wanette voters passed three school bond issues and a Ward 1 councilor was elected in Tecumseh.
In the sheriff’s race, Booth, 52, a district attorney’s investigator and former sheriff’s deputy, won the run-off with 54.24 percent. Booth will face Republican Jerry Farris, 46, of Wanette in November.
Shirey, 56, Tecumseh, a retired Shawnee police officer, has been sheriff for the past six years. Shirey had 45.76 percent of the votes.
Booth said he thanks the voters who had faith and a belief in him to make things better.
“I’m letting it all soak in,” Booth said by phone from his watch party late Tuesday night. “I know we still have a big hurdle in November,” he said, adding Farris is a “good guy who wants change too.”
Booth said many people put “heart and soul” into his campaign and they won’t slow down much before the November election.
“We’re pumped up — we’ll take a one-day break and start hitting it again,” Booth said.
 Shirey, who has worked in law enforcement for 31 years, said, “the Booth camp was very passionate about what they were doing.”
Shirey said he’ll continue to take care of the folks of Pottawatomie County until a new sheriff takes office Jan. 1.
 “I wish whoever wins the election in November success and hope they run the office with the same honesty and integrity,” Shirey said. “I extend my appreciation to all those who’ve backed me over the years.”
Voters in the Wanette School District passed three school bond propositions for building improvements. Superintendent Rick Riggs said the district will be able to do some great things.
“We’re very excited,” Riggs said. “The kids will be the winners.”
In Proposition No. 1 for the high school, and in Proposition 2, for the elementary school, voters were asked to issue bonds of $125,000 in each for several projects, including new heating and air conditioning units.
In Proposition No. 3, voters were asked to issue $275,000 in bonds to buy five new school buses; the district has been leasing older buses.
Riggs said the community has been supportive of the school and he’s appreciative. The average Wanette homeowner will see an increase of $50 to $75 per year on property taxes, he said.