Democratic candidate Adam Dudziak is challenging incumbent Republican Lake County Commissioner Richard Regovich for the seat in the Nov. 5 General Election. Related Articles Election | Adam Dudziak, Lake County Commissioner candidate, November 2024 Election | Richard J. Regovich, Lake County Commissioner candidate, November 2024 Regovich was elected to the position in 2022. According to the Lake County Elections Board, 165,681 people are eligible to vote in the race. The position carries a term of four years and pays an annual salary of $102,043 for 2025. The winning candidate will begin serving Jan. 3. Here are some of the answers the candidates provided in response to questionnaires sent to them by The News-Herald: Adam Dudziak If elected, Dudziak plans to focus on reducing general fund expenses by at least 5 percent. “The current commissioners have ballooned general fund expenditures to over $92 million per year,” he wrote. “I would conduct a comprehensive audit of our spending to identify areas where we can cut unnecessary costs without sacrificing essential services. “By ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used wisely, we can maintain quality services while reducing the financial burden on our citizens.” Dudziak added he would work to restore First Amendment rights during meetings. “It’s vital for our democracy that citizens have a platform to voice their concerns and opinions….I would advocate for policy changes, ensuring that all community members can participate in discussions that affect them,” he emphasized. “By implementing a structured public forum, we can foster transparency and truly embody representative government.” Tax relief through “reduced inside millage” would also be another key focus, Dudziak asserted. “(Two of ) the current commissioners voted for the highest sales tax increase in Lake County’s history, making our county one of the highest in Ohio, later reversed from extreme public pressure,” he wrote. “Providing financial relief to citizens is crucial, especially in challenging economic times.” Dudziak believes his strong work ethic and fiscal conservatism in responsible budgeting make him an ideal candidate. “I am not afraid to confront challenging issues with courage and integrity, and my approach is always rooted in transparency, ensuring that I communicate openly with citizens about the decisions affecting our community,” he added. “I will answer only to the people I serve, prioritizing their needs above all else — I am not influenced by special interests and my commitment to the community is unwavering, regardless of political party affiliation.” Richard Regovich If re-elected, Regovich plans to continue focusing on safety, in addition to economic and workforce development. “I will provide the tools and technology necessary to keep Lake County safe,” he wrote, adding he will remain a voice to promote small business growth while striving to bring larger businesses to the county. “I will (also) continue to work with all school districts to give students job-ready skills….(and) I will keep Lake County moving forward and make it the best place to work, live, and play in Ohio.”