WILLMAR -- Donnel Williamson of rural Spicer officially announced Tuesday that he will run for Kandiyohi County commissioner seat in District 4.
The seat is currently held by Dennis Peterson, who is not seeking re-election this fall.
Williamson made his announcement just minutes af-ter the commissioners voted on a new redistricting map that keeps Irving To-wnship, wh-ere Will-iamson resides, in District 4. Several of the proposals under consideration would have moved Irving Township to District 5.
"Now that we know where the district lines are at, the campaigning can begin," Williamson said in a press release. "We can start discussing the issues facing the county."
Williamson, 37, is a lifelong resident of Kandiyohi County and a third-generation crop and livestock farmer.
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Since 2002 he has served as clerk of Irving Township, which he credits for helping him understand policy and the impact on rural areas. He currently serves on the Minnesota Association of Townships Legislative and Research Committee.
Williamson has volunteered for various local and state organizations including the Harrison Community Presbyterian Church, Farmers Union, Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City Parent Teacher Organization, FFA and 4-H.
His 10 years of experience on the township board, dealing with tight budgets in different organizations and operating his family farm makes him an "excellent candidate" for Kandiyohi County commissioner, he said.
His wife, Christa, is a high school agriculture instructor and their children, Daniel, 10, and Darrin, 8, are active in 4-H.
Two others, Roger Imdieke and Mike O'Brien, have said they intend to run for the District 4 seat.
Filing begins May 22.
