Rural residents ask candidates to remember them

A crowded community center in Lottridge Thursday night gave southeast Athens County residents a chance to hear from a variety of primary election candidates on the importance of serving all areas of the county.

Candidates from a number of races attended the meeting, including the two races for county commissioner, for Ohio's 94^th House District, for Athens County sheriff, and for county engineer.

The running theme of the evening was that residents in the rural hinterlands of Athens County often feel ignored or marginalized by elected officials focusing on the more populous area around the city of Athens.

Several candidates confirmed that they have this sentiment from other people in outlying areas of the county.

"It's a common thing that people feel that way," said Jeff Maiden, Democratic candidate for county engineer, before promising to complete an inventory of all the roads in the 14 townships. "This is a big county, and we have to take care of the entire county. You have to show it by your votes."

Maiden cited the fact that his primary opponent, county Engineer Archie Stanley, who is seeking re-election, was not in attendance.

"I've watched what's happened here. And I've watched what's happened out in the county," Maiden said. "And I've watched an out-of-control deputy engineer, in my opinion, at times take advantage of property owners… And I think after a while you get tired of watching it."

He referred to communication problems between the engineer's office and landowners, and said that if he's elected, whenever a problem arises he will talk to landowners in advance.

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR Athens County sheriff, Steve Kane, said that the last time he ran for office people thought he was an out-of-towner, but the truth is he came to this area in 1954.

He cited his experience in law enforcement as a special agent, a pilot for drug eradication efforts, and most recently his work forming a major crimes task force in Meigs County.

"I'm not one of the good ol' boys," he said. "I'll have an open door. I'll have an open ear. I'll talk to the people."

He promised to focus his general election campaign against sitting Democratic Sheriff Pat Kelly on ethics, and he slammed Kelly for not being more visible in the community but instead communicating via a social networking website.

"I'll face the problems, not Facebook," Kane said.

Kelly, who did not attend, had Athens County Democratic Party Chair Kathy Hecht read a statement for him, citing challenges such as an ice storm and a tornado, as well as county homicides, rapes and crimes against children.

"Through all the difficulties, I believe working together we have accomplished the task set before me," Hecht read from Kelly's statement, pointing to strides made in the areas of technology, training, education, prevention and enforcement.

Neither Kane nor Kelly has a primary opponent, so they won't face off till the general election in November.

In the race for Ohio's 94^th state House seat, incumbent Rep. Debbie Phillips, D-Albany, was unable to attend due to legislative work in Columbus. She is unopposed in the primary. But the two men vying for the Republican nomination to run against Phillips did attend.

Charles Richter and Micah Martindale each highlighted their respective local roots. Richter, 47, pointed to his business background.

"I know what it takes to do a hard day's work," he said. "I feel my background and experience offer the best chance to win in November."

Martindale, 26, meanwhile, trumpeted his youth as an asset.

"I think that as a representative it doesn't take a lot of experience to listen," he said. "And I think representatives really have to listen, not just to their party and their side, but listen to everybody."

When asked what they could do for southeast Ohio, both said they see opportunities.

"The main thing is to go up to the state and let them know we're here and need to be heard," Richter said.

Martindale said that southeast Ohio shouldn't rely on the "ivory towers" of Columbus and Washington.

"In this district, we have creative, hardworking people who can develop their own business," he said, adding that a more business-friendly environment must be fostered.

Meigs County's Snowville Creamery owner Warren Taylor addressed the crowd about why he decided to run as an independent to represent Ohio's 15^th district in U.S. Congress.

Taylor took issue with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on corporate personhood in Citizens United vs. the Federal Election Commission.

"Democracy has a lot of problems but I'd rather choose than anything else," Taylor said, slamming the influence of corporate money on elections and promising to not take any such donations himself. He also promoted local, sustainable businesses. "We have dynamic communities when we keep our business here."

THE TWO RACES FOR ATHENS County Commissioner feature a large primary slate challenging incumbent Mark Sullivan, with one Republican on the other side; and a two-person Democratic primary to face incumbent Republican Larry Payne in the fall.

With all of the candidates present, Payne was the first to address the crowd, saying that he always tries to remain accessible to the southern part of the county. He cited a communication tower in Coolville as a big priority. He also pointed to his history of backing small businesses, but said the county has to continue to attract more and more of it.

Democrats Gary Edwards and Charlie Adkins are facing off for the chance to challenge Payne in November.

All three candidates were asked what they see as the number one problem facing Athens County.

Adkins said that theft has cropped up as a big problem in the area, along with a lack of jobs. Payne pointed to drugs, crime and jobs and the interlinking of all of those problems. Edwards said that economic development is a big concern for the county, and the county has to do a better job at attracting businesses.

The Democratic primary for Sullivan's seat features Sullivan himself and four other Democrats. Also in the race, is write-in Republican candidate Randy Mace, who must collect at least 50 write-in votes in the primary in order to get on the November ballot.

Paul "Smoke" Barrett, one of the Democratic challengers, said that his campaign theme is getting back to the basics. He said the county should have a contingency fund, and make sure that outlying areas of the county have a seat at the table. He proposed renewing revenue-sharing throughout the 14 Athens County townships.

Chris Chmiel, another Democratic candidate, cited his local farming roots and his organization of the annual Paw Paw Festival in Albany.

"I'd like to bring a hardworking, resourceful and creative mind to the county commissioner's office," he said.

Candidate Bob Baughman pointed to his work in Athens County and talked about the horizontal hydraulic fracturing oil drilling technique that has become controversial. He said that it would bring economic development but he's a believer in both landowner rights and landowner responsibility.

Democrat Mike O'Brien addressed the same issue, suggesting a moratorium on drilling until the issue can be studied thoroughly. He promised to be a proactive commissioner, willing to think outside the box and take on challenges.

Sullivan said that if re-elected he will continue to do the work he has been doing. He noted his experience and success in seeking out grant funding to help develop the county. He also said that since he first came to office, Athens County's debt capacity went from $1.7 million to over $7 million.

"I think I've done a good job, and I'd like to ask for your support," he said.

Republican Randy Mace reviewed his work in emergency services here in Athens County and stressed that he would make himself available to all county residents to hear their concerns.

"I'm going to come down and see you and make sure people have a chance to talk to me," he said.