Hoppel to seek third term as commissioner

LISBON -- Columbiana County Commissioner Jim Hoppel says he wants to continue working to create jobs and development.
Hoppel, 65, of East Liverpool, filed petitions recently at the county board of elections to seek a third four-year term as commissioner.
"There's still things that need accomplished," Hoppel said of his desire to be re-elected.
Hoppel, a Republican, said he wants to team with the county port authority on economic development projects.
One of his top priorities will be encouraging continued development of water and sewer lines in the county.
Those utilities spur commercial and residential growth, said Hoppel, a real estate agent.
If Hoppel is elected to a third consecutive term, he will have accomplished a rare feat in county politics.
Few county commissioners are able to get re-elected a third time, noted county election Director John Payne.
The last commissioner to serve three terms was Don Lowe, who was defeated in November 1996 by Hoppel as Lowe sought a fourth consecutive term.
"I didn't realize it was a big thing," Hoppel said of the three-term goal.
So far, no other candidate has filed to run for commissioner next year.