The five contenders for the two Pickaway County Commissioner positions spoke to the public Wednesday night at Westfall High School, hosted by the FFA.
The two Republican contenders on the March primary ballot agreed they were much younger than their opposition - and said because of that, they would have more energy and be less beholden to the status quo - even while already established in local government careers.
Jayme Hartley-Fountain said her main qualification is in being a legal adviser to the county, as Assistant County Prosecutor for the last five years.
One of Brian Stewart's pitches is that he already has a governmental record of conservatism, as a three-year Ashville councilman.
He addressed the prickly issue of the county-wide building code with his policy to keep government from "nickle-and-dimeing people."
And, Hartley-Fountain said she witnessed its enactment first-hand, but said there may be legal ramifications to fight it.
Their fall Democrat opponent, Daniel Bradhurst, left before he could be interviewed.
hear Jayme Hartley-Fountain, contending for R primary in March, for Pickaway County Commissioner
hear Brian Stewart, contending for R primary in March, for Pickaway County Commissioner
The two opposition contenders vying for the other commissioner's position, in the fall, are long-time residents and businesspeople, with activity in farm organizations.
Harold "Champ" Henson says he loves his community and it's time to contribute more, with real-life experiences as a 33-year farmer and small businessman.
He agreed the county building code has been a bone of contention, but says the county had the authority to impose it over the townships.
Sereana Dresbach wants to know more on the building code to be able to tackle it. She said even if a few have a problem with it, she needs to work with legal counsel to deal with it.
Dresbach said her main qualification for the job is in handling public funds by bringing in money, using it as promised, and being on-budget, on-time.
hear Harold Henson, contending for the other seat in November, for Pickaway County Commissioner
hear Sereana Dresbach, contending for the other seat in November, for Pickaway County Commissioner
Young ladies of the Future Farmers of America of Pickaway County flanked the five candidates on the stage, and confidently MC'ed the event.
The same event will be next Wednesday evening at the Cross Creek Golf Course in north central Pickaway County.
Kevin Coleman regularly reports on Chillicothe & Circleville councils
The Pickaway County FFA MC's and assistants, behind the candidates - from left to right: Harold Henson, Sereana Dresbach, Daniel Bradhurst, Jayme Hartley-Fountain, Brian Stewart
