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Fausett ready to serve
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A week after winning the seat in a three-way race for the county's District 1 commission seat, Sharon Fausett is still ecstatic over the victory.

"You know, you never really know how it's going to turn out, and then when I saw the results, I just couldn't believe it. It's really been overwhelming, but it's been great. I'm still excited. I'm still on cloud nine," she said.

Fausett, 63, was the top vote getter in the May 20 Republican primary taking more than 58 percent of the vote over runner-up Corey Gutherie's 24.7 percent and Kevin Ellison, who received 16.8 percent of the vote.

The Dawson County native has since been flooded with congratulatory calls, letters and emails.

"I have been inundated with calls and I wasn't expecting it. They've been so supportive and I tell you, it really helps me," she said. "I just want to thank them so much for their support and the fact that they got out and voted.

"Really, that's really the only way you can, so called, speak your piece, about what you want. I'm also honored and humbled by the confidence they've placed in me."

While she admits running for office is unlike anything she has experienced in the past, she said blazing the campaign trail was a welcomed adventure.

"I've been introduced to so many different people. And there's a lot more of what I call natives around, that I knew them, but hadn't had contact with them in years. That bond was still there and it was wonderful," she said.

A former teacher, Fausett served as director for the Dawson County Department of Family and Children Services for nearly a decade. She also ran several businesses along with husband Danny and currently operates an agritourism destination on the county's west side.

She also served on the county tax assessor's board, as well as the comprehensive land-use committee.

She takes office Jan. 1, as no Democrats qualified to seek the post. She will succeed two-term Commissioner Gary Pichon, who chose not to seek re-election.

Fausett said she knows there's much to learn in preparation for the job.

"I think I'm going to be able to make a difference and that is what it's all about," she said.

According to election officials, about 20 percent of the county's 12,937 registered voters cast ballots in the primary.

Also on the ballot, District 3 Commissioner Jimmy Hamby and Board of Education member Will Wade, both incumbents, as well as political newcomer Karen Armstrong, board of education, ran unopposed in their respective races.

For Dawson's state legislative delegation, District 9 Rep. Kevin Tanner and District 51 Sen. Steve Gooch also ran unopposed, while District 7 Rep. David Ralston held off a challenge from Sam Snider.