Two of the nine current members of the current Hamilton County Commission — Bill Hullander and Curtis Adams — will retire at the end of their current term. The seven others are seeking re-election in either the May 4 primary election or the Aug. 5 general election, or both.
Two of the sitting commissioners are assured re-election. Jim Coppinger in District 3 and Warren Mackey in District 4 have no opposition, though the ballot will list Debbie Gains as an opponent of the latter in the Democratic primary. She has withdrawn from the primary.
There are quality candidates and interesting personalities in the district races, but the campaigns that appear to be stirring the greatest amount of attention are those to replace Mr. Hullander and Mr. Adams. Hopefully, the chance to infuse the commission with new ideas and fresh voices and more dynamic and informed leadership prompts that interest. We make the following recommendations in the District 8 and District 9 primary election.