WILLMAR -- Bill Graves of Willmar has filed to run for the District 2 seat on the Kandiyohi County Board of Commissioners.
That seat is currently held by Commissioner Richard Larson, who has filed for re-election.
Graves, 45, is a businessman who owns the Willmar Dominos pizza store, as well as 52 other Dominos franchises in seven states. He's lived in Willmar since 1985.
He said it is his "dream" to work in a public service capacity to help create jobs, increase the tax base and "be a good steward" of taxpayers' money.
Graves and his wife, Susan, have five children, including a child they adopted after serving as foster parents. He said that experience opened his eyes to the needs and responsibilities of county social services.
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He said he has no complaints about the current members of the board, which he said have represented the county fairly. "These guys are all great," he said.
Because of the busy schedule commissioners keep, Graves said it's common for boards to be comprised of "older" individuals well-established in their careers. Having a county commissioner under the age of 50 would be unique, he said.
Graves said he has flexibility in his work schedule, as well as partners and supervisors who would make it possible for him to take on the job as a county commissioner. He also said he has been encouraged by family and friends to run for the position.
District 2 includes part of Ward 3 and all of Ward 4 on the east side of Willmar.
Kandiyohi County Commissioner Dennis Peterson, who represents District 4, has also filed for re-election.
