Republicans retained the two open seats on Owen County’s Board of Commissioners Tuesday.
Dale DuBois won the District 3 race against Democrat Jared Robert Blubaugh by 2,621 votes. Bob Curry won the District 2 race against Democrat Mike Swafford by 2,966 votes.
The seats were left open because former commissioners Jeff Brothers and Steve Williamson opted not to run for reelection after they passed an intensely unpopular ordinance last year that prohibits anyone from using the county courthouse for a special event.
Read More: Owen County Approves Controversial Events Ordinance Without Public Comment
The Board of Commissioners had originally proposed the ordinance as a response to what they described as a petition from county residents who were concerned about taxpayer costs. That “petition” turned out to be a form letter describing the Spencer Pride Fest as overly sexual and inappropriate for children.
Residents and businessowners from around the area opposed the ordinance, saying it was discriminatory in intent and would hurt businesses on the town square.
Neither DuBois nor Curry would agree to an interview for radio. Neither said they knew much about the festival ordinance.
Curry said he would be looking into the ordinance but is “very neutral on that right now.”
He said he has no personal agenda and wants to serve the people to the best of his ability and stay within the county budget.
DuBois said he would be fine with allowing people to use the courthouse on weekends but did not mention changing the ordinance. He said he is mostly focused on serving the Owen County people and building a new jail.
DuBois said, “I’m going to use common sense, I’m going to pay the bills and I’m not going to be on the radio.”
Mitch Legan contributed to this story.
