Heavner defeats Helm for assessor

Democratic incumbent Cleveland County Assessor Denise Heavner, 59, defeated Republican challenger Jim Helm, 58, 32,348 to 28,419 or 53.23 percent to 46.77 percent. Heavner said she was excited and felt great about returning for a fourth term.

“I’ve got to recognize the people who helped me in the campaign,” she said. “I’ve had great support. I also want to thank the voters for having me back for another four years.”

Heavner’s victory was applauded by Helm. He said he enjoyed the political process and admired how Heavner carried herself.

“I have no regrets,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for (Denise). We both wanted to run a race where we didn’t have to offer an apology at the end. I think that happened.”

Heavner also expressed her gratitude for a clean race.

“I have never run a dirty race, and I never will,” she said. “We got along just fine. We were really very civil to each other.”

With the election season out of the way, Heavner said her new term — set to begin in January — will concern the further education of county taxpayers.

“I will focus on the continuing struggle to help residents understand the property tax issue,” she said.

For Helm, it might be his last run at political office.

“I will always be a voter, and I will always work in somebody’s campaign,” he said. “I don’t have any plans after that.”

Even though he didn’t win, Helm said the election didn’t leave him empty-handed.

“On the one hand I could have been the county assessor, but on the other hand, I’m the best known Realtor in Cleveland County.”