One county commission seat and three seats on the Hernando County School Board are up for primary election on August 26.

In District 4, Republicans Laurie Pizzo, 47, and Jeff Holcomb, 43, are both running to replace retiring, two-term commissioner David Russell. The winner will face Democrat Dan Oliver and no-party candidate H. David Werder in November.

Pizzo, a real estate agent, said if elected her number one priority would be attracting business and increasing employment opportunities in Hernando County.

"In order to do this we must maintain a balanced budget, even if this means looking for ways to reduce spending and hold the line on the taxes," Pizzo said in a candidate questionnaire.

Pizzo has a list of past experience working in the community with various organizations.

Holcomb, a software consultant, is also focused on expanding the county's economy and creating job growth.

"I believe in a smaller less intrusive government to make our county more attractive to new businesses and a better place to raise families," said Holcomb.

Holcomb cites his experience in the U.S. Navy Reserve and the private sector as the reason why he's the smart pick in the race.

In the county's school board races, District 1 incumbent John Sweeney faces a challenge from newcomers Mark Johnson and Donald Whiting.

Sweeney, 51, has held the District 1 seat for two terms. Among his accomplishments during his term, he was able to obtain an extra $2 million from the state for the Hernando County School District.

Johnson, 64, believes fiscal responsibility, long range planning, viable new vocational and technical programs, and working with the county regarding revenue, job and skills generation are the most important issues pressing the school district.

Whiting, 68, said his top priorities would be focusing on the safety of students, fiscal responsibility, establishing vocational/technical programs, and open communication with parents.

Beth Narverud and Jay Rowden, 70, are running to replace Dianne Bonfield, who did not file for re-election in District 3.

Narverud, a parent to three Hernando County school students, hopes to be able to increase access to technology in the classroom by focusing fiscal responsibility and business sensible budgeting.

Rowden, however, strongly believes that Hernando County Schools are underfunded and would work towards increasing funding for schools if elected.

The District 5 race features incumbent Cynthia Moore and challengers Anna Liisa CovellSusan Duval and Robert Neuhausen.

Moore, 72, is a retired teacher, former head of the teachers' union and school volunteer. She has been a strong advocate for employees and children alike throughout her term.

If elected, candidate Anna Liisa Covell would like the chance to help teachers and parents make Hernando County's school system an "A" rated district.

Susan Duval, 67, has a few top priorities she would address if elected: to help the board ensure financial stability, provide proven educational programs/classes and ensuring that all students have access to quality vocational, fine arts, physical education, world language programs/classes.

Robert Neuhausen, 46, ran unsuccessfully for District 4 in 2008 and 2012. He eventually moved from Spring Hill to Brooksville and to the district he intends to represent. His main focus would be communication between administrators and students, and engaging students.