District 3 race set to determine party balance within St. Joseph County commission

 

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- There are three candidates for the district 3 county commissioner's seat: incumbent republican, Tony Hazen, Democratic candidate, Joseph Carbone and Libertarian candidate, Amanda Mitchell.

The district 2 seat will be filled by Democrat Rafael Morton, who is running unopposed. That leaves the district 3 seat as the opening that will determine which party holds the majority in the commission.

Hazen took over the district 3 seat via caucus after serving on the county council when the former commissioner resigned.

Hazen believes his time as Mishawaka Police chief and his six months of experience already on the job will help him with voters.

Carbone is a long-time area resident championing transparency within the county commission and says he plans to host community town hall meetings if elected to hear directly from the people.

Mitchell is a farm owner and activist from North Liberty, who started the group Rethink Industrial Solar. She’s also looking to promote transparency within the county if elected.