Meet the candidates for Blackford County Commissioner, District 2

Voters in Blackford County’s District 2 will choose a new county commissioner on Nov. 3. Two candidates are on the ballot: independent Dennis Layman and Republican Shane Smith.

The Ledger is publishing profiles of both candidates today.

Each profile covers the candidate’s background, his reasons for running and his plans for the office. Both candidates received the same offer of an interview. Smith sat down with the Ledger on Oct. 14. Layman declined a formal interview, and his profile draws on his previous conversations with the Ledger this summer and his public comments at county meetings.

Read the profiles:

• Independent Dennis Layman runs for commissioner on asking questions and answering to taxpayers

• For Shane Smith, the commissioner race is about building up Blackford County

Commissioners serve as the county’s executive branch. They manage county property, approve contracts and set policy alongside the County Council, which controls the budget.

Early voting is underway and runs through noon on Nov. 2. Election Day, Nov. 3, polls are open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time.

The Ledger is offering interviews to every county-level candidate on the November ballot. More profiles will follow if candidates agree to an interview.