The four candidates for the two Jackson County commissioners seats up for election Nov. 8 may bring a wide diversity of life experiences to the table.

But they also have something in common — little to no political experience.

The newcomers in the District 1 race are Republican Drew Markel of Tampico and Democrat Kurt Fenneberg of Seymour, while the candidates in the District 2 race are Republican Bob Gillaspy of Seymour and Democrat Brad Smith of Seymour. The District 3 seat, held by Republican Matt Reedy of Freetown, is not up for election until 2018.

District 1 includes Brownstown, Driftwood, Grassy Fork and Washington townships; District 2 spans Hamilton, Jackson, Redding and Vernon townships; and District 3 is Carr, Owen, Pershing and Salt Creek townships.

Republican Jerry Hounshel of Vallonia presently represents District 1 but decided not to seek re-election, while Republican Tom Joray of Seymour, the present District 2 commissioner, lost to Gillaspy in the primary.

Commissioners are responsible for maintaining and supervising county-owned property, including courthouses, the jail and other offices, supervising the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges and providing traffic control. In 2015, the county’s three commissioners each made $20,993.18.

Read the full story in Saturday’s Tribune and online at tribtown.com.