After serving 12 years as a Darke County Commissioner, I have a pretty good understanding of what that job requires. Now, for full disclosure, I am the President of the Darke County Republican Men’s Club. I say that so we can put to rest any concerns about me being biased against Eddie Anjos. I’m not; in fact, Eddie is running because of me! I got a phone call from his partner, Matt, a while ago, wondering if I would talk to Eddie about being Commissioner. I said absolutely I would be glad too!
We met at the North Town McDonald’s the next morning and had coffee together for about 45 minutes, as I recall. After we talked, Eddie asked if he should run, and I said absolutely! Eddie is a good man, and I really like him and Matt both, so if I were going to sabotage him, I wouldn’t have been so forthcoming.
Being a County Commissioner is about much more than attending meetings and voting on resolutions. Commissioners oversee county finances, infrastructure, economic development, grants, county property, and numerous departments and agencies. Just as importantly, they need to understand the people and industries that make Darke County work. This is why I believe our agricultural community- yes, like it or not, we are what we are: agricultural- needs to also not forget our local businesses and economic development; they deserve serious consideration as voters evaluate the candidates for Commissioner.
David Coons has built his career working with farmers and our agricultural businesses throughout the area. He serves on the Board of Darke Rural Electric and as vice President of the Darke County Community Improvement Corporation. These experiences give him direct exposure to agriculture, Business infrastructure, and economic development- the kind of issues that regularly come before commissioners.
David’s opponent, Eddie Anjos, has no ties to agriculture or small business. Eddie is retired from government in Washington after 20 years and wants to have something to do; I don’t blame him at all (that’s why I play golf!), but you don’t learn how to interact with the people in Columbus that affect us right away. It takes a couple of years to fully grasp that situation and learn who can help and who is just giving you lip service, and by David’s experience, he will grasp it much quicker and continue those ties we need because he better knows the people who can help us.
Having been there myself, I encourage voters to look closely at each man’s record. Both are good people, but David has the experience, ties to the Community, and understanding of how industry and agriculture drive our Community. David has a long-term investment in the county because he has lived here all his life, and with six children and one on the way, he certainly has the incentive to make Darke County more prosperous for his children and others. Eddie is a decent person in every aspect; he just lacks the basic fundamentals of being Commissioner.
The questions on agriculture, business, and economic development are questions worth considering before casting your vote. David has to be here for his family and for the county to prosper. Eddie, who loves Darke County also, just needs more understanding of what we are here. If Eddie fails, he can retire to the Azores where he and Matt have bought a place to retire…..and that ain’t bad! I’m voting for David Coons, and I hope you will too!
Mike Stegall- former Darke County Commissioner
