By AMY GORDON / Staff Writer

Jon Parker, incumbent, defeated Jimmy W. Bice in the Republican primary race for the Shelby County Commission seat in District No. 3.

With 18 out of 19 precincts, or 95 percent, reporting, Parker had 60 percent of the vote with 934 votes, while Bice had 40 percent with 619 votes.

Parker said he owed thanks to his support group and campaign staff.

“To me, it’s just the hard work that’s paid off and the support I have,” he said. “I feel great.”

He said he plans to make himself available to constituents in order to serve them even better in his second term. He has goals for a county-wide safety plan and a plan to assist the growing senior citizen population.

“There are just some things that haven’t been accomplished,” he said.

Bice said he thanked those who campaigned with him.

“I appreciate the support of those who stayed with me,” Bice said.