Job growth in Athens County has been the focus of both candidates running for the county commissioner seat currently held by Republican Larry Payne. In a county with a large student population that will need jobs in the next few years, it’s easy to see why.
Although Payne and his opponent, Democrat Charlie Adkins, both have good ideas for creating jobs, Payne already has the resume to show he can do it. His term has seen technology firms CGI and Ed Map come to Athens County, and Global Cooling has pledged 70 more jobs in the future.
Removing him from office now would stop the progress he’s making. The Post endorses Larry Payne for county commissioner.
Adkins’ plan depends on outside businesses moving to Athens County, while Payne’s focuses on helping businesses that are already here. We feel Payne’s is the more realistic plan. In addition, his willingness to work with Ohio University students makes him an attractive candidate — he teamed with Student Senate to help ensure that students would be counted in the 2010 census.
Payne has already shown he can bring jobs to Athens County. There is no reason to disrupt any progress he’s made.
Endorsements represent the majority opinion of The Post’s executive editors.
