Marilyn Reid wants her old job on the commission back. She was defeated in her re-election bid in the 2006 Republican primary by Alan Anderson, but made a comeback in last spring's primary, when she prevailed in a field of six candidates. Her critics say she won only because the race was so crowded.
Ms. Reid is energetic, and when she gets hold of a concern, she runs with it. She tends to gravitate toward easy-to-understand matters and issues that are mostly in need of a cheerleader. (During the Base Realignment and Closure Commission process affecting Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, she was in her element, donning red-white-and-blue outfits and organizing the public welcoming for the BRAC committee that made a site visit.) She is rarely steeped in details.
She also has sharp edges and a reputation for looking out for her own interests. Some years ago she irritated even her friends when she considered taking a paying position on the board of elections while she also had her commission spot. In short, she has troubling blind spots.
Currently the county chairman for the Republican Party, Ms. Reid says she's stepping down from that job as soon as some junior leaders are ready to step up. (She paints the party organization as unimportant.)
Jerome "Jerry" Sutton, a Democrat, is retired, and, as such, points out that he would be the only full-time commissioner. (Mrs. Reid says her law practice is too small to be considered a distraction from doing the job.) He held high-ranking civilian positions at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and argues his management and executive skills make him well-suited for a commission position.
Mr. Sutton clearly has gotten the bug to run for political office. He's embracing the task of campaigning, and he also made an earlier unsuccessful bid for the Yellow Springs Council.
He says
They each have talents and some differing points of views. Mr. Sutton deserves to show voters what he would do with the office of commissioner.
See:http://www.suttonforcommission.com/