At a public forum for an Athens County Commissioners seat last night, both candidates stressed the need for economic improvement and job creation in the county.
Democratic incumbent Lenny Eliason and Republican challenger Matt Gaiser met at the Athens Public Library, 30 Home St., to address problems that plague the county and how they would fix those problems if elected in November.
Both candidates agreed that economic improvement in the county depends on business development and job creation.
I have seen the struggles and issues in the area
Gaiser said. It is time for me to proactively go after getting businesses in Athens and to get jobs here.
Gaiser, a member of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, said the county's geographic location does not attract many businesses. He added that he recently tried to bring a Trader Joe's to the area, but store representatives declined because Athens is not located near its other stores and would not benefit the company.
Although Eliason agreed that the rural nature of the county restricts economic growth, he said many of its weaknesses are also strengths.
It's a double-edged sword Eliason said, adding that the rural landscape deters businesses but is an attractive place to live.
To increase the number of jobs in Athens, Gaiser said the county should focus on creating career based jobs rather than temporary retail jobs.
Many Ohio University students plan to leave Athens following graduation because there are no jobs available in the area, he said. If career opportunities existed for graduates, many might choose to stay, he added.
Additional space for businesses to expand in the county would lead to an increase in jobs, Eliason said, citing Third Sun Solar Power, which needs larger facilities to continue growing.
Both candidates agreed that efficient transportation is vital to residents' abilities to sustain jobs and addressed the county's insufficient system.
Eliason stressed a need for more funding beyond ticket booth sales to help fix the lacking transportation.
Although Athens hired a transportation coordinator and started a bus system that runs from Athens to Columbus and Athens to Cincinnati at $10 a ticket, Eliason said ticket sales are not enough to support transportation costs.
Transit system funding is an ongoing problem Eliason said.
Gaiser said he would take a different approach to improve transportation, adding that the current system is underused and needs to be changed before the county funds a new method.
Job creation and economic development is Gaiser's top priority, he said.
That's my passion
and that's what I came to Athens to do
he added.
Although economic development is a prime target for change in the county, Eliason said commissioners need experience, knowledge and an understanding of all problems affecting county residents to do their job adequately.
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Laura Service
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Democrat Lenny Eliason (left) and Republican Matt Gaiser, candidates for Athens County commissioner, state their stances during a forum at the Athens Public Library yesterday evening. (Meg Roussos | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
