Following the outcome of Tuesday’s election, 3rd District supervisorial candidates took the time Wednesday to reflect on the campaigning process.

With 52.64 percent of the vote, Mark Lovelace won the 3rd district race.

“I think the race went really, really well,” Lovelace said. “With my campaign, we really tried to focus on a real positive message about the things people value here in Humboldt County.”

Lovelace said he appreciated the approach of both of his opponents while campaigning.

“All of us kept them really positive,” he said.

Based on current county results, Lovelace is set to officially take office in January.

“In my mind, the job starts today,” he said, adding he will be focusing on remaining involved in the community in the meantime and bringing himself up to speed.

One of the larger issues facing the county in the coming months will be the budget.

Lovelace commented on supervisors’ salary increases.

“I don’t think it’s an appropriate time given the difficulties with the budget issues right now,” he said.

The supervisor position is already a well-compensated one, he said.

As for Lovelace’s priorities once he begins as supervisor, he said it is difficult to point to just one.

“There’s a number of issues that have come up as priorities in talking to the community,” he said, including affordable housing, the marijuana grow house issue, implementing a regional trail system and bringing in a second Internet line.

All of these things, he said, can be worked on to improve Humboldt County while preserving its quality of life.

“These are all ways we can work to improve the community up here without changing who we are,” he said.

Bryan Plumley came in second Tuesday, with 34.32 percent of the vote.

Plumley said Wednesday he thinks the campaign ran a good race.

“I really just want to thank my supporters,” Plumley said. “I really appreciate everything they have done.”

“We’ve learned a tremendous amount and made a lot of good friends and connections,” he said.

As for the future, Plumley said, “I will be involved in this community in one form or another.”

“I think my goals are still helping to build our economy,” he said, as well as maintaining the district’s quality of life.

Paul Pitino received 12.76 percent of the vote Tuesday.

Pitino cited campaign finance reform as an issue that resonated with supporters.

Pitino did not accept donations or endorsements during the campaign, spending a total of around $300 on fliers.

Pitino said now he will be focusing on putting his life back together.

“It’s been really busy,” he said.

Pitino has served on the Arcata City Council since 2004.

His term is set to expire in December.

After that, he said, he will be taking a break and seeing what unfolds.

As far as running for political office is concerned, he said “I don’t see myself doing anything in the near future.”