Mike Gaughan, candidate for Douglas County Commission.

Greg Robinson

Democrat Mike Gaughan will hold on to his Douglas County Commission seat for another four years.

Gaughan won handily Tuesday over attorney Greg Robinson in the Democratic primary for the commission’s First District seat. Gaughan earned 1,183 votes, 77 percent, to Robinson’s 350.

With no Republican challenger, Tuesday’s win marks the second time voters elected Gaughan to the commission.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to serve another four years,” Gaughan said. “It’s been a challenging time on the county commission, having to deal with the fallout from the bad decisions made by the Legislature and the governor.”

Gaughan was first appointed to the commission in 2009 following the resignation of Charles Jones. In 2010, he received 70 percent of the vote against Republican opponent Arch Naramore.

Asked why he thinks voters gave him another four years in office, Gaughan said it was the hard work he’s put into the job since 2009.

“The people of Lawrence expect that out of local government, expect that out of their community,” he said. “I’ve tried to represent my district as well I can.”

Gaughan has said his top priority is protecting the county from the Legislature while also ensuring that mental health programs for youth remain funded and the county’s energy costs fall.

Robinson, who was not available for comment Tuesday night, has said he wanted to protect overburdened taxpayers and curb tax incentive offers to lure development projects to the county.

Gaughan stayed away from dismissing the tax incentives, and at a July 30 commission meeting, he approved a 10-year, 85 percent tax rebate for a proposed apartment complex on Indiana Street. Developers originally asked for a 12-year, 95 percent deal.