A democrat with a history of public service is facing a republican New Philadelphia council member in the contested race for Tuscarawas County Commissioner. 

Democrat Kent Watson of Dover has served with the Tuscarawas philharmonic, friends of the homeless, the county Chamber of Commerce, the convention and visitors’ bureau and other boards. Watson says he wants to address the county’s housing needs with affordable options for those living and working here.  

Meanwhile, his opponent, republican Mitch Pace has been involved with the Tuscora park foundation, the Tuscarawas County pony baseball league, and he organizes the Tuscora park trout derby. Pace wants to retain and add jobs and also support funding for the sheriff’s office and security.

Watson is retired from Marlite after a 20-year career where he was a middle manager, giving him business and leadership qualities.

Pace is general manager at Lauren Illumination, but he sees his seat on council as what’s closest to the commissioner’s position.

The winner will replace retiring democratic Tuscarawas County commissioner Chris Abbuhl.  

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