February 29 , 2024 The Beacon • 13
3 candidates running for open commissioner seat
Here is a look at the three Republican candidates running for an open Coshocton County commissioner seat .
Robert Bigrigg ( R )
What past experiences do you feel qualify you for this position ?
I am a highly experienced financial professional with the tools and fiscal responsibility to manage the largest budget in Coshocton County . I am a diversified community leader , exemplified by being honored with the 2022 Coshoctonian Award , “ Considered the highest local honor and is given to someone who has long-term contributions to the well-being and economic climate of the community .”
I grew up of simple means on North 12th Street in Coshocton . My fatherbuilt wood skids for Barrick Lumber , and my mother worked for Coshocton Grain Company her entire career . I ’ m approachable and a friend to all . My banking experiences of finance and lending , both from the commercial and retail sides , have given me the opportunity to know and help many local people and businesses solve their financial challenges over the past 40-plus years . I am retiring from banking on April 1 , 2024 , and will be your full-time commissioner . I also carry the endorsement of the Coshocton County Republican Party Central Committee .
Why are you running for this position ?
I am running for commissioner because I want to continue to increase the quality of life in our county . We have many assets that others do not and a huge opportunity in outdoor recreation alone . Our status as the No . 1 deer hunting county in Ohio , our three
Robert Bigrigg
converging rivers and our parks provide ample fishing and recreation options to get our families outdoors . Coshocton has numerous organizations that do amazing things within our community every day .
I am a servant leader . I pride myself in not only talking the talk , but also walking the walk . I have and continue to serve in a variety of volunteer roles that play a special part in making Coshocton a wonderful place to live , work ,
Merritt Roberson play .
Secondly , I am running for commissioner because I want our business community to thrive . I have been an integral partner with the Coshocton Port Authority , Coshocton County Chamber of Commerce , the Small Business Development Center and more for the development and retention of new and existing businesses in our community . Understanding the financial attributes of what helps a business survive
Charles Selders
and become successful is a large consideration of what I bring to the table and what I have trained for my entire career .
I want to be an advocate for our county ’ s agriculture industry . We need to put emphasis on our farming and agribusiness community so they can operate successfully in a rapidly changing economic environment .
What would be your top priorities if elected ?
We must be prepared to accommodate the potential economic changes and challenges to our county in the next five to 10 years . Coshocton has been the recipient of tens of millions of grant funding dollars , and I want to be one of the vehicles to put those dollars to work for the betterment of this community . My strong fiduciary skills and fiscal responsibility from 43-plus years in the local banking industry are well suited to accomplish this .
Merritt Roberson ( R )
Why are you running for this position ?
I have a strong desire to help our community , and the county commissioner is a place that needs a lot of help . Our county commissioners have forgotten who they are elected to represent : the average citizen .
See Commissioners Page 15
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