FARMINGTON — Strong Selectman Clyde Barker gained the majority of votes in 14 of 16 towns to become the next Franklin County commissioner to serve District 3. He will begin his new position Jan. 1.

Barker, a Republican, won by a vote of 3,045 to 1,739 over Democrat Richard M. Stovall, 67, of Phillips. Stovall won in the towns of Carrabassett Valley and Weld.

Commissioner Meldon Gilmore of Freeman Township did not seek re-election for another three-year term.

Barker, 70, is chief civil deputy for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department. He does not work for the county and receives no county benefits as a civil processor. He is appointed to the job by the sheriff, he said.

Barker consulted with an attorney and will be able to continue as a civil deputy, which is his own business, he said.

“It was a very good race. There was no mud slinging or anything,” Barker said of the contest. “I am very happy. I am overwhelmed with the results.”

Though he won’t be sworn in until January, Barker said he started working Wednesday.

He said he is exploring what can be done about easing the problems at the E911 emergency dispatch center and the county offices.

Voters on Tuesday rejected a $4.46 million bond to upgrade those buildings.

Stovall was unavailable for comment Wednesday.

dperry@sunjournal.com