With experience as Putnam County's Planning and Zoning director, Don Hatfield is looking to put his experience to work, as he seeks the Putnam County Commissioner District 1 seat. 

Hatfield is running in the Republican primary against Andy Beck, Brad Buchanan and David Fuhrman for the seat. 

"I spent almost four years as planning and zoning director for Putnam County. I attended over 50 commissioner meetings. As well as doing all inspections and issuing permits, I am still a licensed and certified building inspector," Hatfield told The Putnam County Post. 

As a resident for over three decades, Hatfield said all five of his children attended South Putnam schools and he has four sons who have served overseas in both Iraq and Afghanistan. 

"Running for county commissioner was not on my list of things to do until I was approached by some people I worked with in the past that were concerned about things going on in the county," Hatfield said. 

Now that he is on the ballot, Hatfield acknowledges there are several issues facing the county. 

"The biggest issues are we need an annex soon. The courthouse is crowded and it's going to be more crowded as crime is on the rise. No one should have to go to the fourth floor to get a permit and bring inmates over to go to court," Hatfield said. 

Two other issues facing the county are roads and the need for an enforcement officer according to Hatfield. 

"There should not be any gravel roads left in the county, except along the Walnut in the Reelsville area. In 2018, I kept bringing up to the commissioners bridges in the county and nothing was done at the time. People have a great love for bridges. I drove across them every day when I was out and around. The county also needs a code enforcement officer," Hatfield said.