Four Democrats, two Republicans seeking to succeed Willa Johnson
Four Democrats and two Republicans are on Tuesday’s primary ballot in the race to succeed retiring Oklahoma County District 1 Commissioner Willa Johnson.
One Democrat, though, John A. Pettis Jr., is under a cloud. Pettis resigned as Ward 7 councilman in Oklahoma City after being accused of converting donations intended for charity to his own use.
The case against Pettis was filed in May, too late for changes in the list of candidates because of deadlines to print ballots and mail them to military personnel.
Other Democrats in the race are:
• Carrie Blumert, who works at the Oklahoma City-County Health Department. She said she would make addressing persistent problems with the county jail a priority.
• Former state legislator and congressional candidate Al McAffrey, a Navy veteran and former Oklahoma City police officer.
• Businessman Ben M. Janloo, who says better roads and bridges would contribute to improved employment opportunities in District 1.
Republicans Chad Albee and Brad Reeves are running for the chance to meet the Democratic nominee in the November general election.
• Albee is a Navy veteran who had a military career as an aircraft mechanic and now works as a 911 dispatcher for the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office.
Albee says first responders and other sheriff’s office employees deserve pay raises.
• Reeves had careers in the grocery business and energy industry and since last October has been second deputy in the office of the Oklahoma County Court Clerk.