Dean is easy choice for District 4

While voters might have a difficult choice between Brett McGuire and Lee Anderson for the state House District 117 seat, they should have no trouble at all in deciding on Anderson's successor for county commission District 4.

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Former Harlem Mayor Scott Dean is the indisputable choice in this race. It starts with his experience as former mayor of Harlem. He will be a strong advocate for the broadly diverse District 4, which spans the county's rural land area, yet includes both of its cities.

But it's also exciting to know Dean brings a significant shot of youth to the commission. Along with Trey Allen, the unopposed candidate who will replace Tom Mercer in District 2, these two near-40 up-and-comers are close to the county population's median age.

This relative youth movement brings a new perspective to the county's government that families with school-age children, particularly, should welcome.

Those are just the types of people increasingly moving to District 4, where entry-level homes are most available in the county. They'll find strong kinship with Dean's family oriented views. But the old-timers are comfortable with Dean, too, as his own roots in Columbia County run deep.

The race for District 4 is a special election to fill Anderson's unexpired term, so the race will be on all ballots Tuesday with the winner taking office soon after.

Dean will hit the ground running for District 4, and we urge voters to give him a head start.