Two seasoned politicians beat out two political newcomers to retain their positions as Boone County treasurer and public administrator.
Democratic incumbent Kay Murray beat Republican challenger Fred Evermon in the treasurer’s race by a margin of nearly 2 to 1.
At the beginning of next year, Murray will be sworn in for her eighth term as treasurer. She was first elected in 1976, the same year Jimmy Carter defeated incumbent Gerald Ford to become president.
Murray is only the second person to serve as county treasurer since Franklin Roosevelt was president. Her predecessor, Maurice Dysart, held the office for 40 years.
The county treasurer is in charge of receiving, investing and distributing county money. The treasurer also oversees public projects.
The annual salary for the position is $72, 467.
“I’m appreciative of the support of Boone County voters,” Murray said.
She said she will not be sure whether she will run for another term until the next election is closer.
Democratic incumbent Connie Bell Hendren defeated Republican John Sullivan to ensure a fourth term in the public administrator’s office. She garnered nearly 60 percent of the vote.
Hendren could not be reached for comment.
The public administrator acts as guardian and conservator for some 300 people with developmental or mental disabilities living in Boone County. The administrator is required to be on call 24 hours a day, every day of the week.
The yearly salary for the position is $72,467.
Hendren has held the office for 12 years.