Zach Perkins took one day to “lay low” and celebrate his District 13 Berrien County Commissioner victory on Wednesday.

But now he is heading to work.

“Priority one is getting in touch with local community and business leaders,” Perkins said, “and finding out what they need to be taken to the county and what I can do at the county level to help them.”

He also plans to take a closer look at the county budget in preparation of taking his seat on the board in January.

Perkins, 28, acknowledged his opponent and current commissioner John Klimek “did a lot of good for the community,” which puts some pressure on himself.

“I’ve got my work cut out for me. I’ve got a lot of work to do to prove myself and earn the trust of Niles,” he said.

It’s been a good week for District 12 Commissioner John LaMore, who is vacationing in Las Vegas and won a fourth term after dispatching Democratic candidate Michael Ringler in Tuesday’s election.

LaMore, a former Niles Township fire chief, said he wasn’t too surprised by his margin of victory, outgaining Ringler 2,133 votes to 1,367.

“I had hoped that being consistent and following through with what you say you’d do would count,” LaMore said. “Most people have been very supportive.”

LaMore has heard some criticism for being absent at the vote on the proposal for the county campus in Benton Township. But he says it’s the case of a few loud voices.

“The criticism mainly came from one person, the same thing,” LaMore said. “Everybody has different opinions, and I love that about our system. That’s what the political system is all about.”

LaMore said his priority for the his second term is to bring a social services office back at the South County Building in Niles if funding becomes available.

“I want to see that office so it relieves pressure on people less fortunate who have to go all the way to Benton Harbor for DHS services,” he said.

Klimek could not be reached for comment.