By Pat Culverhouse

Incumbent Chief of Police Jared McIver has been given another four-year term by Minden voters, claiming a majority in Tuesday’s primary against three challengers.

McIver avoided a runoff with 62 percent of the votes (2,328) to runner-up Ryan Barnett’s 1,021 (27 percent). Other challengers were Tim Morris, who received 243 votes (6 percent) and Darrell Morris with 181 votes (5 percent).

McIver said he did not know if the race would be close, but he was confident that he had done his best to bring his message to voters.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but I’m humbled to know the people respected us enough to give us the win over three other candidates,” McIver said Tuesday evening. “I’m thankful folks thought enough of us to get out and vote and give us this kind of percentage.”

McIver said he appreciated all the hard work of the many people who put their faith in him. He said a key component to his win was keeping a positive approach during his campaign.

“We did not run a negative campaign, not on social media or in the forums,” he said. “We stayed on point, stayed positive and I’m thankful folks believe in us enough to give us another four years.”

McIver’s 62 percent  matched what he had received during the early voting period. Early voters had given him a 62-27 percent lead and the numbers didn’t change.

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