Athens County Commissioner
What does an Athens County Commissioner do?
County Commissioners are elected by the county's legislative branch, the County Board of Commissioners. Commissioners represent the county's interests at the state and federal levels. They communicate their county's needs and concerns to state legislators, policymakers, businesses and civic organizations. Commissioners also represent the county at public and private industry events. They are responsible for the county's management and administration. County commissioners manage the county budget and finances and regularly discuss policy-specific county issues, often divided into unique sub-committee meetings. County commissioners in Ohio, with the exception of Summit County, serve four-year terms
Incumbent County Commissioner Lenny Eliason, Alex Burcher and Bill Hayes are running for the open commissioner seat.
LENNY ELIASON (D)
Lenny Eliason was first elected to the position in 1998. A Cleveland native, he studied Communications at Ohio University, and he later earned a Master’s in Political Science. Before being elected a county commissioner, Eliason franchised Cleveland’s first Domino’s Pizza and worked in sales and sports broadcasting for several Ohio radio stations. If re-elected, Eliason hopes to construct a new dog shelter, extend the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway and build a new 911 center.
ALEX BURCHER (R)
Alex Burcher is the youngest candidate running for commissioner. He graduated from Nelsonville-York High School and Tri-County Career Center in 2015. Burcher is a member of the Business Professionals of America, according to reports by The New Political.Burcher is running on a five-point platform, which includes: reforming property taxes, improving infrastructure, keeping and creating jobs, fighting corruption and promoting education. He also wants to make commissioner meetings more accessible.
BILL HAYES (I)
Bill Hayes is an alum of Ohio University and later worked at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center at Ohio State University. His job experience ranges from being a fiduciary, a semi-truck driver and a special projects director. Hayes wants to focus on economic development in Athens, he views the county as resource-rich. Hayes wants to use his potential position to work alongside local businesses and entrepreneurs.