The candidates for Athens County Commissioner have traded barbs about the county budget, communication among departments and job creation.
The four-way battle is among incumbent Democrat Bill Theisen, Republican Steven McVey and independent candidates Fred W. Weber II and Kenneth Willie.
Theisen said he is running on his experience and his ability to finance county projects.
When you try to lobby and negotiate and fight for your projects
it's not playing paddy cake he said.
But McVey, who owns his own construction company, said the current commissioners are out of touch with the people and are wasting taxpayer dollars. The county is given enough money to fund everything it must.
I'm in favor of living within our means he said.
Weber, who retired as the publisher of The Athens Messenger in February, said budget and management troubles have led to animosity between the commissioners and other county office holders.
Theisen said communication is a two-way street, and he always gives people an answer -just not always the answer they want.
In terms of creating jobs and turning the county's economy around -the poverty rate is 28 percent -all the candidates said the focus must be on helping jump-start smaller businesses in the area and providing them with the opportunities they need.
McVey said that instead of going after big companies, the commissioners should work to stimulate smaller businesses and manufacturers.
We have the infrastructure and labor that's willing to work
he said. We just have to promote it.
The North American Free Trade Agreement has hurt job growth in areas like Athens, Theisen said, because many of the manufacturing jobs that used to exist here, such as those from Rocky Shoes and Boots and TS Trim, now are being outsourced. Now, Athens must help companies like Diagnostic Hybrids stay in the area and expand to create job opportunities for small businesses.
While Weber also said Diagnostic Hybrids, 350 West State St., and other businesses are crucial to area growth, tourism is an area in which he sees a lot of potential. If tourism increases, small business opportunities also will increase because of the building and maintenance needed in the tourism industry.
My philosophy is that we need to grow as many possible jobs within existing businesses that are here
Weber said.
Despite repeated attempts, The Post was unable to contact Willie. According to a Post article, Willie said at an Oct. 18 candidate forum, I have not campaigned at all. I was going to drop out
but I decided to participate to get some ideas out there. I'm probably the most unqualified
but I think the county's looking for someone like that.
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