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LISBON -- Lisbon area resident Duane Nickell announced Monday that he's running for the Jan. 3 term for Columbiana County commissioner, taking on incumbent Commissioner Roy Paparodis in the Republican primary.
"My decision to run for Columbiana County commissioner was based on encouragement from community members and with the support of friends and family," Nickell wrote.
He filed his petitions with the county board of elections on Monday. Paparodis, who's completing his first four-year term, had already filed his petitions to seek a second term. Both Paparodis and Nickell are seeking the Republican nomination during the March 19 primary.
Paparodis previously served two terms as an at large councilman in the city of Salem prior to being elected as a commissioner in a seat that had been occupied by former longtime commissioner Jim Hoppel for multiple terms.
In his press release, Nickell gave a nod to Commissioner Tim Weigle, who previously announced he wasn't seeking re-election next year. Both Tim Ginter, a Republican, and Ray Cox, a Democrat, both of Salem, have filed to run for the Jan. 2 term, which is Weigle's seat.
"Commissioner Weigle's leadership is inspirational, and his retirement is a loss to Columbiana County," Nickell wrote.
A businessman and tradesman, Nickell co-founded Protech Electric in 1996 and said, "My experience in the electrical contracting industry provides me with unique insight on the bidding, scheduling, and construction phases of public projects. I want to support local businesses, as they are the backbone of our community and the future of economic growth."
After retiring from Protech Electric in 2010, Nickell focused on developing his family's beef farm, saying that agriculture is an important industry in the county.
"I feel that a commissioner should have familiarity with agriculture and the obstacles facing the farming community. As a fellow farmer, I will provide that representation," he wrote.
He also wrote, "As a supervisor at Columbiana County Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD), I have been involved in employee management, policy making and financial oversight. At CSWCD I have worked cooperatively with multiple state and federal agencies to best serve the residents of Columbiana County. My fellow CSWCD board supervisors are selfless individuals that I am honored to serve with."
"Here in Columbiana County, I have built a successful business, grew a family farm, raised a family, and supported my community. I want to ensure these opportunities for everyone. As a lifelong resident of Columbiana County, I am grateful for this opportunity to serve as a full-time commissioner," Nickell wrote.
Paparodis will join Sheriff Brian McLaughin as Republican county officeholders facing a contested race during the primary from Republican challengers.
Also on Monday, Leetonia resident Dan Votaw filed petitions at the county board of elections to run as a Democrat for 79th District state representative, the seat held by Republican incumbent state Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel of Columbiana. Blasdel already filed her petitions and announced she was seeking re-election. Votaw is just finishing up his term on the Leetonia Board of Education after choosing not to seek re-election this year. He's a high school English teacher at Lisbon David Anderson High School.
Other recent filings include Republican county Auditor Jim Armeni Sr. of Salem seeking re-election, Republican county Treasurer Bryan Blakeman of Columbiana seeking re-election, and Republican county Engineer Bert Dawson seeking re-election.
The filing deadline for the March 19 primary is Wednesday.