BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Two Republicans vying for Wood County Commissioner will face off in the Ohio primary on March 19 for the party's nomination.
Both candidates, incumbent Ted Bowlus and Cory Kuhlman, say experience matters and hope to use their backgrounds to move the county forward.
"Experience matters, the position of Wood County Commissioner is very complex," Bowlus said. "It's not something that you can just walk into and understand."
Bowlus has held the seat for eight years and said he has more work to do like improving infrastructure projects and ensuring money is going where it should be for the county.
"We have a lot that we have accomplished and a lot to accomplish we are very proud of the budget that we have put together over this last year,” he said.
Kuhlman, who currently serves on Perrysburg City Council, said he's focused on new ideas for the area and that being younger gives him a leg up.
"We have three commissioners they are all good people but there is a generation gap," Kuhlman said. "They are all from a different generation and there's no younger representation so I thought my views would be valuable."
He said his No. 1 concern is financial responsibility with tax dollars.
"Being responsible with tax dollars, I think everybody in Wood County just got their new tax assessments and probably drew some concerns themselves," Kuhlman said. "I think it’s important to know that your tax dollars are being used responsibly and I plan to do just that."
No matter the age or experience, both want to improve the community.
"As a parent that is raising children in Wood County I want it to be the best possible place to raise a family,” Kuhlman said.
"I'm dedicated to Wood County and I'm dedicated in helping the people of Wood County,” Bowlus said.
The party's nominee will face Democrat Philip Chrysler in the November general election.