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The following stories are the first of a four-day series detailing the views of Republican and Democrat candidates for Fayette County commissioner.

Republican voters will choose two of the four candidates seeking the party nod in the Fayette County commission race when they go to the polls next month.

Incumbent Commissioner Angela M. Zimmerlink, Dr. Evelyn Hovanec of North Union Township, David Lohr of South Connellsville and Patrick Lion of Uniontown will square off in the May 19 primary.

The winners will face their two Democratic challengers for the three available seats on the board.

The candidates met with the Herald-Standard editorial board recently to discuss their views on a wide range of topics, including economic development, the operation of departments and their views as to how the county should address overcrowding at its lockup.

While members of the same party, the four had varying opinions as to how to end fees associated with prison overcrowding, or to stem recidivism.

Currently, Zimmerlink and Commissioner Vince Zapotosky are supporting the renovation and expansion of the current lockup, though officials have yet to unveil proposed plans or costs associated with the work.

Zimmerlink said since she took office in 2004, she has been aware of the growing inmate population and has addressed her concerns with the prison board.

Zimmerlink said that after the prison board unanimously agreed not to move ahead with the construction of a new building more than a decade ago, she challenged them to address the growing population.

It was me who said lets address overcrowding; we can either do nothing; we can decide we can do new construction or renovation, said Zimmerlink. At that time, (the vote not to continue with phase two) was unanimous; not just three people, seven people said were going to continue on with the court programs that were just beginning to get started.

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Republican commissioner candidates discuss prison plans