They are still good friends the day after Tuesday's elections although only one of them is a winner.

Garry Ellingson, incumbent 5th District Mower County Commissioner, defeated Harry Willmott 1,698 to 1,137 Tuesday, according to unofficial results. That's a 60 to 40 percent margin of victor for the incumbent.

The 5th District includes the city of Austin's 1st Ward, 2nd voting precinct and 2nd Ward, 1st voting precinct.

Like the 4th District, it is entirely in the Austin city limits. Districts 1 and 3 include portions of the city as well as the townships of Lansing and Austin, respectively. The 2nd District includes the rural areas and municipalities in the eastern two-thirds of Mower County.

Ellingson is a former long-time Mower County Sheriff's Department chief deputy, who retired and sought an Austin city council position. Unsuccessful, he pursued the vacancy created when Gary Nemitz resigned from the 5th District due to health reasons and was the victor two years ago.

"I'm happy about it," Ellingson said of his Tuesday victory to his first 4-year term on the county board. "I'm looking forward to a full four-year term and serving the people of Mower County.

"You always wonder about a close race like this until the last vote is counted," he said.

Ellingson said taking care of the "jail situation" will be his top priority. "I think I have the experience in law enforcement and the expertise at running a jail to help find the right solution to our problems."

Ellingson also congratulated newly-elected Mower County Sheriff Terese Amazi and newly-elected Austin Council Member At Large Wayne Goodnature with their Tuesday victories.

Ellingson worked with Amazi, who replaced him as chief deputy when he retired. Goodnature was Mower County Sheriff for 16 of Ellingson's years as a chief deputy and jail administrator.

Willmott and Ellingson are good friends, each say. Among other things, they are teammates on an Austin Morning Lions go-kart unit that entertains at summertime celebrations and parades.

They pledged a "no mud-slinging" campaign after both filed for the county board office last spring.

"Win or lose, the experience of campaigning, especially meeting so many wonderful people, has made running for commissioner a winner," Willmott said. "I am a better person for having done it."

Willmott extended his "heart-felt thanks" to "all those who supported me in any way."

He also congratulated Ellingson. "I extend my congratulations to Garry and his supporters."

Then, he had more praise on the day after Election Day.

"Thanks also for this great country where we can partake in this kind of experience."

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at :mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com