Based on the results of Tuesday’s general election – which saw voter turnout in Champaign County reach 70 percent – voters appear to have been pleased by Republican incumbent David Faulkner during his first term as county commissioner. Voters overwhelmingly decided to give him the opportunity to continue his work for another term.

In the lone contested race at the county level, Faulkner defeated political newcomer Barnaby Ofori, an Independent, by a vote of 12,479 to 3,476.

Having garnered 78 percent of the vote, Faulkner said he can’t thank the residents of Champaign County enough for their support.

“I’m proud to be able to represent this county for another four years,” he said. “I do what I do as a commissioner because I want to keep this county a good place to work, raise a family, worship God, and keep it on the move toward great things.”

Faulkner also acknowledged Ofori’s run for office and said he expects his challenger will be heard from again in the future.

“Barnaby ran a respectful campaign, and I give him credit for stepping up and putting himself out there,” Faulkner said. “Hopefully, there is a spot for him somewhere because he has a lot to offer the people of Champaign County.”

As for how he envisions the next four years shaping up, Faulkner said a lot will depend on decisions that eventually trickle down from the federal and state levels.

“It’s going to be an interesting time after what happened at the national level (on Tuesday),” he said. “Ultimately, I want Champaign County to be able to be self-sustaining, so I’m hoping some of the red tape will ease up to allow us to work a little easier at the county level.”