Primary election absentee and overseas voting has begun in Ohio, with in-person voting scheduled for May 5. Among the races on the ballot is the election for president of the Athens County Board of Commissioners.
Current president Lenny Eliason is stepping down after serving in the role since August 1998. His term ends Dec. 31, leaving an open seat on the board.
Two candidates are seeking the position: Democrat Autumn Brown and Republican Sarah Smith. Both are running unopposed in their primaries and are expected to face each other in the general election.
Smith lives in Athens County, outside the city on a dairy farm near Meigs County, and owns a beef cattle farm in Albany.
Since 2022, Smith has served on the Athens County Republican Party Central Committee as a representative for Alexander East precinct, as well as the treasurer of the Athens County Republican Party Executive Committee.
Brown moved to Athens County from Mansfield at the age of 12 and lives on her family farm in Millfield, which is in Dover Township, Athens County.
Brown and Smith, both Athens County residents who raised their children in the county, said their local ties shape their approach to the role.
Brown previously served on the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities for about 30 years and is currently the director of Integrate Athens, focusing on community collaboration and disability inclusion.
“This position has given me the opportunity to get to know Athens County on a much bigger scale, and I see such potential and so many opportunities, and I'd really like to be a part of moving some of those initiatives forward,” Brown said.
Smith said her candidacy offers a different political perspective in a county where local government is largely Democratic.
“Being a Republican, I believe I have a different perspective that I can bring to the office and hold other county commissioners who have been either serving for quite some time a little bit more accountable,” Smith said. “I would like to bring transparency to the office.”
Both candidates emphasized different priorities when asked why they believe they are the best choice.
Smith said representation for all Athens County residents is a key concern.
“People outside of the city feel that they've been left behind,” Smith said. “They feel they don't have a voice … I know what it's like to live in an area that doesn't get any attention on a county level. The people of this county need to feel that they're being served, and they've felt disrespected and underserved for so long. I want to change that.”
Brown highlighted her community connections and focus on collaboration.
“I network with a lot of different community groups, and I've just been able to gain perspective and be able to listen to the community and take what they share,” Brown said. “I think it's important moving forward to unite Athens County … there are some fractures in our community that I would like to be able to help start to heal and build on.”
The candidates have not yet participated in a debate or public forum, but Brown said she expects one after the primary.
“There are no plans right now, until we get through the May primary, but I am certain that the League of Women Voters would typically set up those forums so that the community can ask questions and get to know both of us,” Brown said. “I do look forward to those opportunities, and I'm excited to definitely work through this process.”
Smith said her campaign and platform center on engaging with all residents, no matter their political views.
Brown said her campaign has been community-focused and has involved volunteering and participating in local events.
In interviews with The Post, both candidates shared messages for voters ahead of the election.
“I just think with the current state of what's going on in our county, I do want to say that I think it's sad that Athens County is being painted in such a negative light,” Smith said. “I've lived here my entire life … I would like to see Athens County move past what's going on, and the citizens and patrons of Athens County deserve better, and I think that we can move together.”
Brown said she welcomes voter choice in the race.
“An election is about having choices, and so it would be nice if the community had that much trust in me, but I feel like having at least another candidate gives the community a chance to get to think a little more about what they really want and need,” Brown said. “I feel like having a choice is important, so I'm excited to watch this unfold.”
