ENTERPRISE — Lisa Collier has defeated Devin Patton in the Tuesday, Nov. 5 election for an open seat on the Wallowa County Board of Commissioners.

The vote was 2,751 (58.1%) for Collier and 1,970 (41.6%) for Patton, according to final numbers tabulated by the Wallowa County Clerk’s Office.

“I’m really excited. I’m honored,” said Collier, the mayor of Joseph and a longtime educator. “I just can’t wait to get started.”

In fact, Collier plans to attend a weeklong training session for new councilors next week in Eugene. The session is sponsored by the Association of Oregon Counties.

In a previous interview, she said her main goal in running for the commissioner’s seat was to give county residents more of a voice in the courthouse.

“Having relationships with the citizens is a big deal,” said Collier, a longtime educator and the current mayor of Joseph. “It’s the foundation for being approachable, being available, having them being able to reach you, to find you. … It’s a team effort, and it goes both ways. I just can’t sit back and wait for them to come to me. I need to also go to them.”

Patton, on the other hand, believed he was the candidate who would best replace outgoing Commissioner Nash. The latter is closely involved with agriculture, natural resources and the fair. Nash won election on Tuesday to the state Senate seat for District 29, now held by the retiring Bill Hansell.

“I’m deeply involved in the agricultural sector,” Patton said during a recent interview. “The ag sector is the foundation of which everything else is built (in Wallowa County) and one of the roles of the county commissioner is to advocate for the interests of county residents.”

Not only does Patton farm and ranch, he works with other farmers and ranchers in agricultural market risk management, helping them get the best prices for their crops or livestock.

“I congratulate Lisa on her win,” Patton said. “I believe she’ll do well and I’ll continue to support her any way I can.”

He hasn’t given up on his interest in the county and what Nash kept watch on.

“I’ll continue to advocate for the natural resources and agriculture community,” he said.

Patton said he may offer his services as a volunteer on county committees. Earlier this year, he volunteered to serve on an energy plan committee.

“I have taken steps in that way,” he said.

Both Collier and Patton emerged from a five-person May primary to advance to the November ballot. The race for the seat was one of the few contested races on the Wallowa County ballot.

In another countywide seat up for election Tuesday night, unopposed Sheriff Ryan Moody collected 3,338 votes (97.8%) of the total; 74 votes went to various write-in candidates.