Williams unseats Penturf for county surveyor

Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Greg Williams

With David Penturf having held the position for the past 35 years, Greg Williams is set to succeed him in the Putnam County surveyor’s office.

Williams overcame Penturf in Tuesday's primary election garnering 2,171 votes, while Penturf accrued 1,886 votes throughout the county.

Upon hearing the tallies at the Putnam County Courthouse, Williams said he was “kind of surprised” by the result given Penturf’s longstanding service as surveyor. But in giving credit to Penturf, he is excited for the opportunity.

Williams touched on digitizing records, as well as being involved with an established drainage board, as developments he would like to see fulfilled as he settles into his new role.

“The county surveyor is only responsible for certain things,” Williams provided. But he said his “well-roundedness” with different types of surveys, as well as not being afraid to take on challenges as such, is what he brings to the office. Outside of becoming surveyor, Williams is also the president and co-owner of ASA Land Surveying.

While he said the primary was “nerve-wracking,” Williams expressed thanks to the voters for their support.

David Penturf

Penturf expressed that the surveyor’s office has not been a “revolving door.” While he is the longest serving, he himself succeeded longtime surveyor Alan Stanley. In essence, this has ensured consistency and action, even as anyone, experienced or not, can run for it.

“It (the surveyor’s office) is not as important as it was 100 years ago, but Putnam County is lucky to have a licensed surveyor,” Penturf said. “That’s something that I think of a lot, when I go to other counties and I see a totally unqualified person in that office, that really doesn’t know anything about the subject.”

Saying he himself was “a little surprised” by the tally, Penturf said he knows Williams well and believes the surveyor’s office will be in good hands if he can work between the office and his business.

“I’m not overly disappointed,” the 66-year-old Penturf ultimately said about the primary. “I’m ready to give it up.”

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