Harris, Nohe, Rauch outline priorities in Washington County Commissioner unexpired term race

MARIETTA – Candidates Justin Harris, incumbent Republican Greg Nohe and Democrat John Rauch shared their campaign priorities as they compete for the Washington County Commissioner unexpired term in the Nov. 3 election.

Justin Harris

According to a statement released by Harris, his campaign is focused on transparency, fiscal responsibility and safe, clean water.

He said in the statement, "The people deserve to know what their government is doing and why decisions are being made. ... I will work to ensure open communication, public accountability, and a government that earns the trust of its people every day. I will be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars, eliminate waste where possible, and make sure county resources are invested where they will have the greatest benefit for our citizens. We must protect our water resources, support responsible infrastructure improvements, and ensure future generations have the same quality of life we enjoy today. I will listen to your concerns. I will be accessible. I will be transparent. I will work everyday to earn your trust. ... My commitment is simple: transparent government, responsible spending, safe and clean water."

Harris was not immediately available for further comment.

Greg Nohe

Nohe said his campaign focuses on fiscal management and economic development.

He stated the primary responsibility of a commissioner is managing taxpayer dollars without reducing services.

He said, "I think I have the insight, the institutional knowledge to effectively do that without cutting services."

Regarding development, Nohe stated while he is neither for nor against "the data center itself," economic development is necessary in Washington County.

"We have to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of any kind of development in Washington County, and it has to be the right fit. ... I am for economic development because that’s what makes Washington County prosper," he said.

Nohe, who was appointed in November, said he was approached about serving after the seat he holds was vacated.

"I believed I could offer a lot to this county as far as the demonstrated leadership that I've done for the last 40 years. ... I'm a retired law enforcement officer and former jail administrator - that gives me valuable insight to know what the county needs and implement those services."

John Rauch

Rauch, who serves as the vice president of the Little Hocking Water Association, said he is focused on water safety and proactive measures drawing on his 30 years of experience in water systems and development.

He said he wants to work with public water providers in the county on the financing, with the Ohio EPA, for the design and installation of emergency water connections.

"If the aquifers for one of the Washington County water utilities would get contaminated, it’s probably three years before a plant could be designed," he said.

Rauch spoke about the Waterford Data center project, stating the developers "need to work with local folks" to address the communities concerns.

He said, "the data center should be at the table, paying for additional infrastructure, ... customers should not subsidize that."

Rauch said he wants to continue to work on development that fits Washington County and "hopefully we can work with the economic development practitioners and get good jobs that pay a living wage."

Election Day is Tuesday.

Sophie Wheeler can be reached at swheeler@newsandsentinel.com.