'God bless Vinton County and the USA'

Early voting in the Primary Election began last week and Pickaway County Commission candidates will appear on the ballot.

Per the Commissioners’ race, Mark Fout, a Republican from Ray, is running for re-election. Kevin Cozad, a Republican from Hamden, also wants the job, so this will be a contested primary — whoever wins will be the next commissioner as no Democrat filed for the position.

A bunch of folks are running for that second seat on Vinton County Board of Commissioners.

William Wellman, a Republican who lives in the Hamden area, is running for re-election. Jeffrey Harper III and Charles Pittman, both of McArthur, are also contenders on the GOP side of the ledger too for that commission seat.

Three Democrats have tossed their name in the hat too for that commission seat — Michael Betts, Jeff Fee and Lynn Herrold, all hailing from the McArthur area.

Candidates who want to be profiled, particularly the ones in contested races, should reach out to mlayton@vintonjacksoncourier. Unlike the Colorado Supreme Court, this newspaper believes in democracy, so these profiles will be free — no charge — because the voters should know what a candidate stands for.

Primary Election will be March 19 for county offices, state and national too. The General Election, fingers crossed, will be Nov. 5.

Cozad’s candidate questionnaire are unedited for content.

Candidate profile questions:

Name: Kevin D.Cozad

Age: 64

Education: Associates degree in applied science of Architecture design and engineering

Occupation: Retired

Party Affiliation: Republican

Describe what is motivating you to seek office:

I believe our county is in great need for full-time leadership

In the last four years what do you think is something the office you’re seeking should have done differently or better?

Devote more time to the issues of all Vinton county citizens

What characteristics or traits do you think are important for the person elected to the position and how do you feel you embody those qualities?

Honesty, trustworthy, hardworking, for the people.

I was born and raised in this county with morals, and respect of other people, and this is how I live my day to day life.

I have 10 years experience as a construction manager, and other leadership qualities.

I am also on the board of the Jackson Vinton County Community Action.

Articulate your thoughts on the three issues you deem most important for the position in this election:

Backing law enforcement to insure the safety of all our communitiesPushing the issue of collecting all back taxes of this county.The growth and the impact that’s affected our county.

If elected, what are your goals for your term?

To get our jail up to the 14 day holding capacity.Managing growth to the best interest of all local residents.To bring elected officials together to work towards the issues for the betterment of our county.

Do you have any additional comments or messages to relay to the public?

Our county is growing at a rapid pace and we need leaders that understand how that can impact a small county. I am that such person that will be in the commissioner’s office 5 days a week working for all people of Vinton county to get us on the path for a better future.

If you want an honest, hardworking leader with integrity working For you, then vote for me on March 19th.

Thank you and God bless Vinton County and the USA.