One county commission seat and three seats on the Hernando County School Board were decided in the primary election on August 26.
In District 4, Jeff Holcomb defeated candidate Laurie Pizzo. Holcomb will face Democrat Dan Oliver and no-party candidate H. David Werder in November to replace retiring, two-term commissioner David Russell.
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 will face newcomers Mark Johnson and Donald Whiting in a runoff election.
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 defeated Jay Rowden, 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.
The District 5 race features incumbent Cynthia Moore and challengers Anna Liisa Covell, Susan Duval and Robert Neuhausen. The four candidates will face each other in a runoff election.
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, Covell would like the chance to help teachers and parents make Hernando County's school system an "A" rated district.
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.
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.