Longtime Wagoner County employee Chris Edwards said he’s ready to take the helm of District 2 operations.

Edwards, whose family has lived in Wagoner County since 1905, announced his intention to file for the county commissioner seat now held by Jerry Hefner.

The decision to campaign for the office, Edwards said, was based on two concerns that have become evident during his 17 years working as a county employee.

“So many residents have asked me to seek office simply because they have been looking for an honest, ‘hands-on’ county commissioner who has some real work experience for the job,” Edwards said. “So many folks I talk to are tired of the constant headlines that have dominated Wagoner County for so long with all the self-seeking officials and political family entitlements. They (voters) really want change.”

Edwards, who advocates a need for courtesy and customer service, said he has worked for three commissioners. He began working as a laborer and advanced through the ranks as a mechanic and an equipment operator.

For eight of his 17 years working for the county, Edwards has worked as bridge and road foreman. He said that experience equals fiscal responsibility.

“I know what works and what doesn’t work, and that saves time and money,” Edwards said. “I’ve been in direct contact with the constituents — I know what the public wants.”

Campaign manager David Brumbaugh said many county residents say Edwards “is the most qualified candidate to run for commissioner in almost two decades.”

“As county commissioner I will be dedicated to serving all District 2 residents while meeting the needs and demands of county growth,” Edwards said. “I have no agenda other than to be the hardest working and most honest county commissioner possible. ... I also take the stewardship of the taxpayer's money very seriously.”

Edwards is a 1983 graduate of Wagoner High School and a decorated veteran of the U.S. Army. He was graduated Oklahoma State University at Okmulgee, where he studied diesel engines and heavy machinery.