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Butler County Coroner elect Ollie Scott is still celebrating his victory after last Tuesday’s Primary Election.

Scott defeated incumbent candidate Wayne Garlock for the position as the Butler County Coroner. According to Scott’s campaign manager Kenneth Crum, he becomes the first African-American in Butler County history to hold a countywide position.

Scott said he decided to go back to the basics for his campaign strategy.

“On the day of the election, I went door to door talking with people and asking for their vote,” he said. “I did that throughout the entire campaign. I just wanted to meet people and let them know face to face what my plan for Butler County would be if elected.”

Scott works for 14 funeral homes throughout the county. He said his job experience has prepared him for the role of coroner.

“I have worked as a transport for several funeral homes for many years now,” he said. “I’ve got a good bit of experience in dealing with the deceased. I know what the job of coroner entails just from my own professional experience.”

Scott admits that he’s spent some time with family and friends to enjoy the feeling of winning. He said the months leading to the election and the day of the election was a new experience for him.

“It was pretty stressful throughout the campaign and especially the day of the election,” he laughed. “I’m just so thankful and grateful to those who went and voted for me. I’m going to work very closely with the Butler County sheriff and district attorney. I’ll also do my absolute best in the position I was elected to by the people of Butler County.”

Democratic Sheriff elect Carlton Cook has already turned his attention to the General Election campaign. Cook defeated the incumbent Sheriff Kenny Harden in last Tuesday’s Primary Election.

“The whole campaign and then winning the election was a great experience,” Cook said. “During the campaign, I tried to stay very active in the schools and churches of the Georgiana community. I plan on doing the same thing throughout all of Butler County.”

Cook has served as the Georgiana police chief since January. He will face off against the Republican candidate for sheriff, Danny Bond, in November’s General Election.

“I’m very humbled by winning this election and thank those who voted for me,” Cook concluded.

Sheriff Harden said while he’s disappointed with the outcome, he’s thankful for getting the opportunity to serve as Butler County’s Sheriff.

“Unfortunately, I think a lot of people voted in the state election and not the local, which didn’t help,” he said. “But I accept what the people chose and I feel like we did a lot of good things for Butler County these last several years.”

Harden is looking at the silver lining of the election results to ease the sting of the defeat.

“Since I wasn’t reelected, I will retire and step away from the stressful job,” he concluded. “This is a tough job and I wish nothing but the best for Butler County going forward.”