Three candidates are seeking the Republican nomination to the Delaware County commissioner’s term beginning Jan. 2.

In the March 6 primary, Joe Garrett and Gary Merrell are challenging incumbent Tommy Thompson. The three are Dela-ware city residents. The winner will run against Democratic candidate John Hartman of Powell in November.

Garrett, 43, has lived in the community for 39 years. He is divorced and has three children.

Garrett, owner of Garrett Direct LLC, attended Ohio State University and Buckeye Valley High School.

Garrett was elected a Concord Township trustee in 2009. He is an officer for the Dela-ware County Youth Softball Association and the Bellpoint Youth Baseball/Softball Association. He is a member of the Delaware County Republican Central Committee.

Garrett said, “I am committed to reducing the size and spending of government. As a trustee, I have done that for the residents of Concord Township. I will do that for the residents of Dela-ware County as commissioner.”

Merrell, 62, and his wife of more than 39 years, Cathy, have three children.

Formerly a newspaper executive, most recently with The Delaware Gazette, Merrell has lived in the county for almost five years and in Ohio since 1986. He holds a University of Oklahoma bachelor’s degree in administration marketing.

His community service can be viewed at www.votemerrell.com. It includes being president of the Ohio News-paper Advertising Executives, mentor in the Columbus YMCA Leadership program and a board member of the Delaware Area Chamber of Commerce.

Merrell said his “skills could add value” to the county and community members told him they “want leadership that is fiscally responsible, someone who listens to concerns and acts in the best interest of Delaware County.”

Thompson is married and has two children.

He has served as commissioner since Jan. 2, 2009, and is a retired school teacher and building administrator with 32 years of service.

He has lived in Delaware since 1986, except from 2002 to 2004.

He served eight years on the city planning commission, seven years on the board of zoning appeals and two as city mayor.

Thompson said, “I decided to run for county commissioner knowing that Delaware is one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation and we have the opportunity to give direction to our state and country.”

Garrett said the most pressing issue facing the county is the “rising cost of government combined with the loss of revenue growth due to a stagnant economy.

“We must get more efficient as a county government, as well as examine the necessity and extent of services provided to assure there is good value for the taxpayer. We can make it a priority on a daily basis (and) empower county personnel as well as elected officials to bring forth ideas and suggestions for saving taxpayers’ money.”

For Merrell, the most pressing issue is “leadership and fiscal responsibility.

“Among the voters, there is a lack of trust in many of those who have been elected to serve,” Merrell said. “The voters want someone who will ask the tough, relevant questions that lead to the heart of the matters at hand and then make decisions that best fit the needs of the community.”

For Thompson, the most pressing issues are “the economy, employment and planning for future growth.”

Garrett’s goals for the county are “to get beyond just balancing the budget to having a surplus and adequate rainy day funds, to get there without any tax increases and to increase economic growth in all parts of the county with jobs that will support families.”

Merrell said the county is “full of potential.

“I have established my goals as being fiscally responsible in government, available to listen to those financing our government and providing leadership in how we create jobs for our residents,” Merrell said.

Thompson said, “My goals for the county would revolve around the issues facing us. We need to utilize all of our resources to retain businesses (and) encourage economic development, including public-private projects. We also must plan for future growth to best serve the residents.”

Garrett said his goal is “to keep Delaware County a great place to live,” by keeping taxes low through controlled spending and working with schools to bring economic growth to their districts so they have the resources needed to educate our children.”

Merrell said, “Should the voters trust me (to be) their new commissioner, my vision is to leave our county much better than it was on the day I became commissioner.”

Thompson said, “We have the opportunity to be a leader for our state and our citizens.”

Garrett said this previous accomplishments include “reduced government spending while increasing service levels” in Concord Township and familiarity with the “history of all areas of Delaware County.

“I have been self-employed since (age 19) and understand the meaning of the dollar and the hard work involved to earn that dollar.”

Merrell said he brings his experience as “a manager, publisher and group publisher.”

“I have gone into new situations and clearly evaluated the properties I have been asked to lead,” Merrell said. “That sounds a lot like what a commissioner should do — understand the areas of county government so when the budgets are reviewed, I will understand the challenges they face, and also know enough to ask the right questions.”

Of the skills he brings to the position, Thompson said, “My background in public education, working with students, parents, teachers and bus drivers, (and) years developing plans and zoning issues have given me the ability to work with all people and a vision to see the big picture.”