DETROIT LAKES — The Becker County Board race in District 1 heated up Wednesday, with Osage Township Supervisor Tim Clements urging his supporters to vote for Erica Jepson of Evergreen Township on Nov. 8.
Jepson is facing off against Height of Land Township supervisor Craig Hall in the general election.
In the primary election, Hall received 576 votes, Jepson got 438 votes, and Clements received 402 votes.
Clements announced the endorsement on his campaign’s Facebook page on Wednesday morning.
“I have been contacted by both remaining candidates for their endorsement (and have) looked at both candidate’s political goals, personal careers, service to others and how they have run their campaign so far. I have decided to endorse Erica Jepson,” Clements wrote.
Contributed/Erica Jepson
“Erica closely relates with my view on how to solve the issues facing our county. Some people are trying to portray Erica as being far left. After speaking to her several times, I find her to have similar moderate objectives and is a candidate that will best represent our district,” he added.
“My grandfather once told me that in my lifetime I would see a revolution. I believe that I have seen that in the way our political parties have split far right and far left … I am a conservative, but I realize that if we don’t soon find an ability to work together, I will be saying to my grandchildren “In your lifetime you will see an end to democracy.” Erica Jepson is middle of the road politically and that is why I endorse her for District 1 Becker County Commissioner.”
Commenting on the post, Jepson thanked Clements for his endorsement.
“Thank you, Tim!” she wrote. “I appreciate the support and wisdom.”
In his post, Clements also thanked the voters who supported him in the primary election.
Nathan Bowe/Tribune
“There were three people running for this position and the end votes were very close,” he said. “I would like to express my sincere appreciation for all of you that supported me.”
Clements added that “I am a conservative. However, I despise arrogant politicians. A few years back I ran for political office and had reason to speak to the county commissioners. I found most of them, on both sides of the political arena, to be arrogant and full of themselves. I had hoped that by being elected, I would have been in a position to remind them that they are nothing more than citizens of Becker County elected into a position of trust. Over the last few months, I have listened at your doors and know that you also do not want that in your county board.”
