Next year, two of Lawrence County's Commission seats will be up for grabs.

One of the two men who now holds one of those seats has taken what may be the first step toward running for re-election. Commissioner Jason Stephens has sent out mailings to various Republicans at random, seeking comments and donations.

"I fully intend to seek re-election, I have not picked up a form yet, but I intend to be active and let people know I do intend to run," Stephens said. "I also want them to know that I am interested in what they have to say all the time, not just in an election year."

In the letter, Stephens discussed his record in office, pointing out the county commission's work in bringing the Duke Energy Plant to Hamilton Township as one example of progress in the last four years.

He says he is also proud of obtaining funding for the Chesapeake Bypass and The Point industrial park, the turnaround in the Union-Rome Sewer District's finances, the county's assistance with obtaining grants for county fire departments and the county's effort last year to help several

townships spray for mosquitoes in the wake of the West Nile Virus.

"I try to base my decisions on three principles: solid budget management, commitment to the community and the economy," Stephens said. "I think Lawrence County is better off than it was four years ago. Things aren't perfect, and there's always room for improvement, but I think we're going in the right direction."

The seat occupied by Commission President George Patterson is also up for grabs in 2004. Commissioner Doug Malone was sworn in this year to his first term in office.