Erb, Webster, Burke In, Beam Out in Blair Co. Commissioner's Race

The Blair County Board of Commissioners is going to have a new look as two new faces will join a familiar one in steering county government for the next four years.

Unofficial results show newcomer Republican Amy Webster the leading vote getter with 14,524 while incumbent Bruce Erb retaining his seat by garnering 13,803 votes.

On the Democratic side, Laura Burke, making her first bid for commissioner, wrestled the set away from two-term incumbent Ted Beam. Unofficial totals show Burke pulling in 6,963 votes while Beam garnered 5,944.

Voter anger over reassessment was felt in this election as both Webster and Burke made reassessment a main talking point during their campaigns.

Beam, the only candidate on the ticket who was on the board when reassessment was voted for, paid the price for that anger.

"I am disappointed," Beam said. "We gave people a list of our accomplishments over the past eight years and I think they were incredible accomplishments."

Beam acknowledged that reassessment played a big part in his defeat, but said he has no regrets voting in favor of it.

"The one issue people still have on their mind is reassessment," He said. "I would not change my opinion. I think it was needed. It was the right thing for the county, and it will benefit the county down the road."

Beam said now that the voters have spoken, he wishes Burke well and thinks she will do a good job for the county.

"The people have made their choice and I accept that," he said. "I want to congratulate Laura Burke. I think Laura will be a fine commissioner."

Burke said she is looking forward to bringing a fresh perspective to the commissioner's office.

"I have some different ideas and a different perspective to make this a great community to raise our children in," she said.

Webster said she wants to get started quickly on reassessment appeals and then tackle other county issues.

"I have some ideas of things we can do and I want to get into these important issues," she said.

Erb said he is grateful for the support he received and said voters understood the need for strong fiscal responsibility in the commissioner's office.

"To the voters in Blair County, thank you for your confidence in me and your acceptance of me," he said. "We start with fiscal responsibility and accountability. I think we have done a pretty good job of it and we want to continue that. I want to continue to work with the other commissioners and elected officials and look forward to four great years working together."