Republican Dan Hampson, who defeated incumbent Jim Logan during the August primary, will square off against Democrat Rich Helton. Hampson and his wife have owned a sign business in Warrenton since 1989. He is currently employed by MEMC as an electronic technician/electrician but said he would retire if elected. "I'm going to be a full-time commissioner to spend time and effort to make a difference rather than do a job," Hampson said. "I have a lot of insight and ideas on how to better the community, a better quality of life." Helton has lived in Warren County for 23 years. He currently is employed as a certified moving consultant for Core Moving and Storage. He is hoping to become the first Democrat elected to a commission seat in Warren County in modern times, though he hopes voters ignore party lines. "I do not have an agenda," Helton said. "I will basically take each issue as it comes. My decisions will always be based not on any political party, but what is best for Warren County." Both candidates say infrastructure is one of their top priorities should they be elected. Helton believes a sound infrastructure helps attracts businesses and jobs. Hampson said road upgrades are important and wants the commission to check into past promises made nearly 30 years ago for people still awaiting water and sewer lines. Other top priorities for Hampson include seeking a college institution and creating a positive image for the county. Hampson noted that East Central College is already holding night classes in Warrenton. Through a grant, he feels a facility could attract other higher education institutions who are interested in coming to the county. In addition, county residents with more education could help attract better-paying jobs to the area and help promote a better image. He said the county could play a role in helping promote area two festivals such as Heritage Days, Strassenbash and Catch the Glow. "We don't want Warren County to grow in a massive way that you have row after row of houses," Hampson said. "We're looking to maintain our rural identity, but yet have jobs for our children and our industrial parks." Helton, meanwhile, wants the county to embrace growth and seek businesses with a larger tax base. He said the county budget could be affected if residents shop less and the sales tax revenue decreases. Helton also said he would strive to make the commissioners more accessible for residents. He wants to hold town hall meetings to obtain feedback on important issues. Since most of the commissioner meetings are held on weekday mornings, a concerned citizen has to take a day off from work to voice their ideas. "If I know your concerns and your opinions, then I can better represent you," Helton said. Cooperation between the commissioners and other municipalities also are important for Helton. "We need to work together," he said. "That doesn't mean all the time we're going to agree. But we need to come to a compromise and do what's best for the county and not have an agenda for one another." While the current commissioners have been divided on the process of building a new administrative building, Hampson and Helton both agreed a site survey should have been performed before the decision to construct the new facility in downtown Warrenton was made. "At least the commissioners would have had something to go from," Helton said. "If I don't know of a particular situation, I will find somebody that does." Hampson added: "I believe we need more involvement with others. You can make a better decision. It helps take the politics out of it."