Local businessman and Decatur Township Trustee Eddie Place was chosen to fill the vacant Washington County Commissioner position. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

MARIETTA — The Washington County Republican Central Committee gathered Thursday evening to interview candidates vying for the position of county commissioner, left vacant by Kevin Ritter’s recent resignation to serve in the Ohio House of Representatives.

Following interviews of five candidates, the committee selected local businessman and Decatur Township Trustee Eddie Place to complete the remaining Washington County commissioner term.

Place’s interview focused on the importance of safety within Washington County, advocating for more police officers and canine units to patrol the streets to abate drug issues. Place also indicated his support for adding another prosecutor to Washington County. He also focused on the infrastructure of the county as a whole.

“We all preach about business, more business is coming; I like to focus on sewer, water and gas improvements,” said Place. “We all know it takes a long time planning this stuff and getting funding for these projects.”

Candidate Jeremy Barton, who works at Cindy Abbott Jeffers’ barbershop on Front Street, emphasized his background working with the community and the importance of budgeting. Barton highlighted his commitment to fiscal responsibility and his ability to connect with constituents from diverse backgrounds. Barton focused on addressing budgetary challenges and reducing perceived inefficiencies in county spending.

Small business owner Jeremy Barth introduces himself Thursday during interviews for the open Washington County commissioner seat at a meeting of the county Republican Central Committee at the Washington County Emergency Operations Center. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

“I’m not a politician; I’m a straightforward, honest person who listens,” he said.

Dave Cunningham emphasized his ability to oversee complex budgets and manage diverse teams. Cunningham also shared his proactive approach to addressing public concerns, referencing his experience engaging with legislators and communities under public scrutiny.

“I’ve dealt with budgets comparable to this county’s size and understand the importance of teamwork across divisions,” Cunningham said.

Bonnie Hockenberry, a long-time fiscal officer for Newport Township and past commissioner candidate, emphasized her experience in managing tight budgets.

“You have to look at all the departments, all the line items and figure out how to make everything work,” she said.

Steve Wetz, Marietta’s current Director of Public Safety and Service, discussed his experience with working alongside the county commissioners during an interview for the vacant Washington County commissioner position. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Hockenberry highlighted priorities like supporting economic development, improving broadband access and strengthening emergency services.

Rick Walters, who has formerly served as a county commissioner, also was in the running. According to Walters, working cohesively with other commissioners is paramount as well as the importance of working alongside other counties in the region. To Walters, the budget is one of the most important factors for a commissioner to consider.

“The biggest thing with being a county commissioner is running the county budget, managing the county, and it is a three-man team. With one vote you can do absolutely nothing; two votes you can build a courthouse,” said Walters.

Steve Wetz, the safety service director for Marietta, emphasized his history of collaborative problem-solving and infrastructure improvements. He highlighted his work on successful efforts to negotiate a sewer agreement between the city and county, as well as improvements in public transit through partnerships with Community Action and the Ohio Department of Transportation.

“I’ve worked closely with county commissioners and community leaders to bring about tangible solutions,” Wetz said.

Bonnie Hockenberry currently serves on the Marietta Chamber of Commerce as an office manager. OnThursday night she interviewed to fill the vacant Washington County Commissioner position. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com

David Cunningham was interviewed to fill Kevin Ritter’s remaining term on the Washington County Commission Thursday night. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Rick Walters cited his experience as a former county commissioner in his interview for the empty Washington County Commission seat. (Photo by Gwen Sour)