Early voting as started across the State of Ohio as voter registration closed last week for the March 15, 2016 Primary. Voter turnout is expected to be high during this presidential primary but Clark County voters have just two races to decide on the ballot.
Hoping to receive the majority vote on the Democratic ticket for Clark County Commissioner are Dale Henry, Darrell Jackson and Roger Tackett. This is the seat currently held by retiring Commissioner John Detrick.
Looking to appear on the November ballot for the Republican Party seeking to defeat current Common Pleas Clark of Courts Ron Vincent are Bob Suver and Melissa Tuttle.
The Enon Eagle and New Carlisle News reached out to the candidates with questions recently. Mr. Tackett and Ms. Tuttle did not respond to our requests and will not be featured in this article.

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Clark County Commission Candidates
Dale Henry is a long time resident of Clark County. He is a graduate of Springfield South High School and holds an Associate’s Degree from Clark State and a Bachelors Degree from Wright State University.
Mr. Henry is retired and has served as a member of the Springfield City Commission for 8 years, 6 years as Assistant Mayor and served as Mayor for 2 years.
Why are you seeking the nomination on the Democratic primary ballot for Clark County Commissioner?
Primarily because I am uniquely qualified due to my education, experience as a public servant and my belief that diversity and inclusion are necessary in order to increase participation in community -building. I am committed to building a workforce prepared for the good paying jobs we need to attract.
What do you see as your greatest strength that will benefit the citizens of the county if you are elected?
I’m an honorably discharged U.S. Army veteran, retired after 30 years with General Motors, served 3 years Deputy Director of our Board of Elections, 4 years Regional Liaison for Ohio Secretary of State, 3 years as local Democratic Party Chairman and nearly 3 years as a Board of Elections member.
What do you believe you have to offer voters that your opponents in the primary do not?
In Clark County, there has never been a person of color elected as a county commissioner or to any other county office. In the state of Ohio there are currently no county commissioners of color. I am primarily running because of my body of work relative to stewardship and vision.
Darrell Jackson is a graduate of Stebbins High School in Dayton. He went on to graduate in 1987 from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy. Mr. Jackson also attended Ashworth College.
Jackson retired from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy in 2012 with 26 years of service. He is currently employed by the Clark County Juvenile Court as a Detention Worker. He has held no public office previously.
Why are you seeking the nomination on the Democratic primary ballot for Clark County Commissioner?
I would like to use my experience in law enforcement and negotiations to try and lower Clark County’s crime rate, develop meaningful treatment programs for our citizens struggling with heroin and drug addiction, and we need to recruit businesses to bring good paying jobs to Clark County.
What do you see as your greatest strength that will benefit the citizens of the county if you are elected?
 I am able to listen to people, understand their concerns and solve problems. I have spent 20 years negotiating budgets. I understand them and can help all county departments improve their budgeting practices as well.
What do you believe you have to offer voters that your opponents in the primary do not?
Clark County needs new leadership with fresh ideas to grow, heal and prosper. The heroin epidemic needs to be given priority to provide our citizens with meaningful treatment and recovery. Aggressive business and job promotion can help expand our job base and bring meaningful work to Clark County.
Clark County Clerk of Common Pleas Court Candidate
Bob Suver graduated Cum Laude from Ohio University with a bachelor in Business Administration with a major in Finance. Although he has held no elected public office, he is the retired Executive Director of the Clark County Department of Job & Family Services. He currently is managing a 355 acre grain farm.
Why are you seeking the nomination on the Republican primary ballot for Clerk of Courts?
To update what has been described as the most antiquated clerk office in Ohio. Provide taxpayer savings by collaborating and not suing another county office over being paid by direct deposit versus paper check. Providing fresh insight instead of the same from a career politician seeking 44 years in office.
What do you see as your greatest strength that will benefit the citizens of the county if you are elected?
A history of collaboration combined with a strong background in communications, motivational and organizational efforts, planning, goal setting, networking and developing community relationships will benefit the taxpayer and office user. This will allow me to consider suggestions from others and implement those that will have a positive result.
What do you believe you have to offer voters that your opponent in the primary does not?
Directed a multi-faceted agency for 19 years. I was involved in the updating of infrastructure, staffing and management. Introducing new procedures and technology were essential to successfully meet ever increasing demands with 40% fewer staff. The Clerk of Court Office has similar needs.