NORTH EAST -- Candidates for the Cecil County Commission sat shoulder to shoulder Tuesday evening to debate the issues facing their county.

With the Commission's 1st and 5th District seats open, the candidates focused primarily on where they think the county needs go.

Democrat Pamela Bailey, who is running for the 1st District seat, said she wants to give something back to the community.

"I am a grassroots person," she said. "I believe in standing up for all of the people. I believe in getting to the root of the problem."

Her opponent, Republican Jim Mullin, says he's running because it's the right time.

"Cecil County right now has the golden opportunity to preserve its rural heritage. To redefine its towns and villages, to create a real sense of place," said Mullin. "I'd like to have an opportunity to work towards that goal."

Running for the Commission's 5th District seat is Republican Robert Hodge, Democrat Sharon Weygand, and Republican Tom McWilliams, who is a write-in candidate.

"On Nov. 4th, you'll have several decisions to make on who you're going to vote for," said Hodge. "Obviously the race for president and congressman is very important. But I'd like to suggest that the race for county commissioner is just as important to all the citizens in Cecil County."

Hodge argued that county commissioners make extremely important decisions, despite the fact that it's a local office.

"You're gonna select two candidates at this table on this stage to be your choice for county commissioner. Those two elected officials will make tough choices for the future of Cecil County for many decades," said Hodge.

Weygand said she's a newcomer to the political scene, but argued she has "substantial experience" in local government.

"This experience will be invaluable to me as a county commissioner," said Weygand. "I want my children and yours to reap the rewards not only of smart governments, [but] smart growth and also smart fiscal policies."

McWilliams advocated for a 20 year plan, as well as a four-year plan for the county to focus primarily on "infrastructure and new schools."

The public debate was sponsored by Cecil College and the Cecil Whig.