Watson files for commissioner

A fourth candidate has filed to run for commissioner.

Blake Watson turned in paperwork Wednesday afternoon to seek the Democratic nomination for the south district Jay County Commissioner seat.

He joins Duane Monroe, who is running for the GOP nomination for the south district seat, and Mike Leonhard and Doug Horn, who are seeking the Republican nomination for the north district seat. South district incumbent Brian McGalliard said he plans to run for re-election while north district incumbent Rex Journay has indicated that he will not seek a second term.

Watson, who became the first Democrat to file to run for office in Jay County, is a 2001 Jay County High School graduate. He earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Indiana University – East and a master’s degree in gerontology from the University of Indianapolis. He currently works for Retter Farms.

“I believe that we need a choice here in Jay County,” said Watson. “We need to have folks that will step forward and create an alternative to where we are, having the Republican majority here. It’s nice to have options for the voters to have the opportunity to have ballot … to select which candidate they like from different parties.”

Discussing what he feels are key issues, Watson said he’d like to see commissioners meetings moved from their current 9 a.m. time to allow for more civic participation and noted a need for alternative viewpoints, improved infrastructure and improving quality of life for residents. In a press release, he criticized current and former commissioners for a lack of accountability.

“Commissioners have now demonstrated that their leadership lacks the ability to break the cycle of dysfunction,” he said in the release. “Mediocrity and virtually no presence of accountability have become the norm shielded by one-party rule. …

“Our campaign is not about turning the clock back to a status quo that lacks the will to uplift Jay County, it’s about moving forward and advancing the county …”

Filing for this year’s election cycle continues until noon Feb. 9. Positions up for election this year include Jay County Commissioner, three at-large seats on Jay County Council, Jay County Circuit Court Judge, and county clerk of courts, treasurer, coroner and surveyor.