Though both candidates for the second Athens County commissioner seat believe the campaign has remained positive, each is hoping for a different outcome Tuesday night.
Democrat Charlie Adkins is challenging Republican incumbent Larry Payne for his seat, and both candidates are taking different approaches to campaigning in the final hours of the election season.
Consistency until the last ballot is cast has always been the primary focus for Payne’s campaign, he said.
“I’ve been campaigning steadily the whole way through,” Payne said on Friday.
“We’ll just continue the course we’ve been doing: passing out fliers and going to events.”
While Payne took to the streets to campaign in recent days, Adkins spared voters from election commotion and spent time with his family instead, he said.
“I think people have made up their minds and are tired of this election,” Adkins said on Sunday. “Today, instead of campaigning, I’m putting up a flagpole on my property.”
The southeast part of the county is a Republican stronghold, Adkins said, but he believes he will win many votes in the cities of Athens and Nelsonville.
Payne said he is counting on support throughout the county.
“I feel very confident (that I have support) in the whole county,” Payne said.
This support stems from Payne’s nonpartisan approach toward being a county commissioner, he said.
“I don’t view things as partisan,” Payne said. “I look at an issue and listen to both sides and make decisions that are in the best interest of the county.”
Adkins cited his lifelong dedication to public service as his main strength as a candidate.
“I’ve always supported OU students and the community my entire life,” Adkins said. “I’ve been dedicated as a volunteer fire fighter and as a union president.”
sh335311@ohiou.edu
