Sherry Erickson has secured a victory in the race for Clark Public Utilities Board of Commissioners District 1, the seat held by retiring Commissioner Jim Malinowski. Erickson ran against James Oneil for a six-year term on the board of commissioners. Initial results on Tuesday showed Erickson had 66.66 percent (109,111 votes) to Oneil’s 32.62 percent (53,396 votes). “I think voters recognize the need for technical competency as their representative at the utility,” Erickson said Wednesday. Erickson said she didn’t spend nearly as much money on her campaign as her opponent, so she’s grateful voters took the time to research her as a candidate. “The value that I bring to this position stood out to voters,” she said. Erickson, a mechanical engineer and consultant who has worked with utilities around the country, largely ran on her experience and expertise.

Oneil, who has spent years working in business development, ran on a belief that commissioners need to be out in the district talking with constituents. This is Erickson’s third attempt at running for utility commissioner. She said she’s now more prepared to serve than she’s ever been. Oneil said Wednesday that Erickson’s perseverance in running a third time “shows her heart and passion for the role.” The utility has three elected commissioners, each representing different regions of the county. District 1 is by far the largest geographically, representing most of north Clark County.

Malinowski held the seat for two terms. Commissioners don’t get involved in the day-to-day operations of Clark Public Utilities but do vote on rates, budgets, policies and plans for the water and electrical systems.