Wednesday, November 7th, 2012
King, McKirnan and Lambert claim victories
By Amy Kronenberger
Two new faces and an incumbent will fill clerk of court and recorder positions in Mercer and Auglaize counties.
In Mercer County, recorder Tammy Barger, a Democrat, was ousted by newcomer Angie King, a Republican. Barger, of Celina, has held the post for 12 years.
King took 60.56 percent or 12,404 votes to Barger's 39.44 percent or 8,077 votes.
"I'm truly honored by the victory," King said early this morning. "Thank you, Mercer County. I look forward to serving as county recorder."
Her focus is to increase communication, accessibility and transparency in the office, she said. She officially begins her four-year term Jan. 7.
King, of Celina, is a licensed real estate agent and owner of King Properties and Investments LLC, Celina. She is a Celina City Council member but plans to resign. The remaining year of her term will be filled with a member of her ward via appointment by the Republican Party.
Republican Kevin McKirnan of Celina won the position of Mercer County Clerk of Courts over rival Angie Fair, a Democrat from Celina. McKirnan, who earned 11,139 votes (56.21 percent) over Fair's 8,679 votes, will begin his four-year term Jan. 7.
Current clerk of courts James Highley, a Democrat, served nine four-year terms but chose not to seek re-election.
McKirnan said he looks forward to the challenge.
"I hope to continue the good work that Mr. Highley has done over the years," he said, adding his goal is to "get the job done."
McKirnan said he realizes a lot of work lies ahead to "get up to speed" and he intends to do everything he can to serve the interests of the public.
McKirnan, a licensed attorney, held the post of Celina city law director for 34 years before losing at the polls one year ago.
Fair has worked for more than 20 years in the clerk of courts office and is the chief deputy of the legal and title division.
Auglaize County Recorder Chris Lambert, a Republican, captured a decisive win with 15,870 votes. Challenger and newcomer Anne Hamilton, Democrat, received 5,033 votes.
Lambert, a Wapakoneta native, worked as a deputy recorder for 30 years before being appointed recorder in August 2011, when former recorder Ann Billings retired.
