Jones to challenge Bechtol for seat

FINDLAY — A new opponent has stepped up to the field and is set to run against incumbent Tim Bechtol for his seat on the Hancock County Board of Commissioners. Orion Jones, a Republican from Findlay, filed paperwork earlier this month to challenge Bechtol. Bechtol was appointed as commissioner in 2016 by the Republican Party Central Committee, and was elected in 2018. In 2022, Bechtol ran unopposed for the seat. Bechtol has submitted for reelection. Jones said he is originally from Port Angeles, Washington. He has lived in Ohio for the last 10 years and feels very passionate about the community. After visiting family in the area, he accepted a job at Tiffin University. "We went back to Washington, packed up our things and drove back to Ohio," he said. He said he is well-traveled within the United States, so a move across the country didn't feel like a big deal. He later accepted a job with the University of Findlay before founding True North Motivation Consulting. He is now also a doctoral researcher in men's mental health and cultural resiliency. In everything Jones does, there is a wish to make the world a better place, he said. He felt like running for public office was one way to do just that. "The Hancock County Commissioner position aligns very well with my past experience," Jones said. He later added that instead of just talking about what's best for Hancock County residents, he wants to do what's best for the community. The deadline to file necessary paperwork with the Hancock County Board of Elections for the May election is 4 p.m. Feb. 4. Commissioners Jeff Hunker and Bill Bateson will next be up for reelection in 2028.