Supervisor District 5 candidate James West will not contest the results of his close primary run-off race with Lynwood Easterling.

West, who according to certified results lost to Easterling by 91 votes, spent Sept. 3 reviewing the ballot boxes under the supervision of Circuit Clerk Fred Ferguson and observation of Easterling.

West said he found irregularities – &uot;some probably intentional, some probably unintentional&uot; – in his review of the votes.

&uot;I think that we need to make sure there’s better training at the polls and that the certification process is more accurate,&uot; West said.

West congratulated his opponent and thanked his supporters, committee and family.

&uot;We ran a strong race and a good race,&uot; he said. &uot;I want to let the voters of Adams County know that we all need to be involved to make this place a better place.

&uot;My concern is not for the people of Adams County to lose faith in the process. Your one vote makes a difference. If everyone in Adams County would exercise their right to vote then the voice of the people would have spoken.&uot;

West said he will now support Eddie Jones, an independent who faces Easterling in the Nov. 2 general election. Independent Walter J. Squalls has also qualified to run in District 5.

&uot;I’ve known him all my life,&uot; West said of Jones.

West said he thought race played a part in the election.

&uot;I’m disappointed that over 20 years (of my) being in the workforce, a lot of people did not look at me as a candidate but feared to have three blacks and two whites on the board would be the doom of Adams County, and it’s just the opposite,&uot; West said.

West did not rule out another run at political office.

&uot;I’m going to be looking at the next four years at our progress and if the people want me to run then so be it,&uot; he said.