By Paul Leach
Correspondent
Polk County voters this week will choose between a familiar face and a new one for county executive.
Democrat Hoyt Firestone seeks to regain the seat he held from 1986 to 2006 after winning a close primary with incumbent Mike Stinnett.
Republican David L. Dishman is hoping to stop that comeback in Thursday's county general election. It's his second try for the seat after losing a primary bid in 2006.
Other races on Thursday's ballot include contested Republican primaries for governor, the 3rd Congressional District and the 9th District state Senate. There are three contested County Commission seats and contested races for trustee, sheriff, county clerk and register of deeds, as well as two school board seats up for election.
Economic development - past, present, and future - is a key issue for both executive candidates.
"We are a divided county, and we've been dying for years," said Mr. Dishman, who lives in Turtletown and expressed special concern for East Polk residents.
"Over the years we've had so many bad decisions, special interests and West Polk favoritism. This is what the East Polk residents say, not my opinion," Mr. Dishman said.
Mr. Firestone said he has a track record of job creation.
"We inherited the highest unemployment rate and cut that in half" during his years in office.
"We encouraged diversity in the economy. Tourism and the Ocoee River have been successful," he said.
The proposed Corridor K project figures significantly in both men's plans for the county. The highway project, when completed, is expected to give East Polk residents easier access to metropolitan centers to the west.
Mr. Firestone said the project would mean many more employment opportunities for Polk County residents.
Mr. Dishman said he would do "whatever it takes" to ensure Polk County residents get a chance to fill Corridor K jobs before construction contractors fill them with out-of-county workers.
While Polk County early voting totals for the Aug. 5 elections were down compared to the May primaries, Democratic Party Chair Wilma Jean Pippenger said she expects strong support on Thursday.
"We have had time to heal after the close primary and we are unified party behind Mr. Firestone," she said.
Polk County Republican Party Chairman Walter Hyatt did not respond to requests for comments.
Paul Leach is based in Cleveland. E-mail him at paul.leach.press@gmail.com.