ALPENA — In the upcoming two-way Republican primary for the District 2 seat on the Alcona County Board of Commissioners, incumbent Craig Johnston and challenger William “Bill” Thompson bring distinct perspectives and histories to the table.

With no Democrat filed for the District 2 seat, the winner of the Republican primary will likely run unopposed in November and win the four-year term that begins Jan. 1.

The election is Aug. 6 but absentee voting is underway now.

As a fourth-generation resident of Alcona County, Johnston emphasized his deep roots and commitment to the community. His family has lived on a centennial farm since 1878. Johnston also highlighted his focus on broadband expansion and veterans’ affairs, citing his role in establishing a public-private partnership for high-speed internet and improving relationships within the Veterans Affairs board.

“We’re on the cusp of some real success on high-speed internet broadband access for everybody in the county,” Johnston said.

Johnston aims to leverage his experience and relationships to foster growth and development.

“I have a real desire to see our county advance, exceed, and be successful,” Johnston said. “I’d like to see my family be able to stay here and make a life here, to see my grandkids and add the fifth, sixth, and seventh generations.”

Thompson, who previously served as a commissioner from 2008 to 2014, said he has a diverse background that includes running a greenhouse and working with the county fair. He also leads Recycle Alcona Inc., which manages county cleanups and promotes environmental sustainability. Thompson is passionate about revitalizing the county’s chamber of commerce to boost small businesses

“Alcona has no chamber of commerce,” Thompson said. “I’d like to try to revamp that backup again and get representation for the township.”

Thompson says he believes in teamwork and community involvement and that he brings ideas to the board and works collaboratively to implement them. He focuses on enhancing the local economy by supporting small businesses and attracting tourism, which he sees as vital for Alcona County’s growth.

“Getting small businesses back up and giving them sources to call is the goal,” Thompson said. “I want to help them talk to and find out where they could get financing and where they could get advertisement and all those things that a chamber would be able to offer.”

CORRECTION: This article has been updated to reflect that no Democrat is running for the District 2 seat on the Alcona County Board of Commissioners. That information was incorrect in an earlier version of this story.

Temi Fadayomi can be reached at 989-358-5693 or tfadayomi@thealpenanews.com.