Republican Rick Hutchison and Democrat Chad J. DeCaria are competing for a six-year seat on Brady Township’s board of supervisors in the Nov. 7 general election.

Repairs around the township are priorities for both newcomer candidates, with a focus on road maintenance and completion of the township’s unfinished maintenance building at 131 West Liberty Road.

Hutchison advanced to the general election after winning the nomination for the Republican party in May against current supervisor Darlene J. Covert.

If elected, either Hutchison or DeCaria will replace Covert on the board. Covert was appointed supervisor in April 2022.

DeCaria has lived in Brady Township for 25 years with his wife and owns his own business.

He works in heating and air conditioning and said he is familiar with both operating and repairing heavy equipment. DeCaria also works part time in roadwork for the township.

His primary goal for the township is to better maintain its roads, he said.

DeCaria said his work experience and background growing up on a farm make him a qualified candidate for the position.

“I’m very dedicated to what I do, and I would like to see (roads) finished,” he said. "I would like to see our roads maintained a little better.“

He said he felt prompted to run for office after seeing a need in the community.

“I thought I could help,” he said.

He cited the condition of some of roads as “needing a lot of attention.”

In addition, he said a priorities for the township include keeping tree limbs trimmed back and getting township equipment ready for winter. He also said he would eventually like to see a playground near the township building.

If elected, DeCaria said he would establish what needs to be done, get a plan in order with the rest of the supervisors “and then get it done.”

A Brady Township resident, Hutchison is a former construction worker and has also worked in the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Hutchison said that with friends, he has built tiny homes for homeless disabled veterans in Tennessee.

With more than 50 years in construction, Rick said his priority, if elected, is to complete the maintenance building and to “make sure to hire the right people at a reasonable rate.”

He said other residents encouraged him to run for office, asking him if he “could take the bull by the horns and (finish the building).”

Hutchison said fiscal responsibility is critical when it comes to finishing the building.

Mismanagement of money and completion of the building are among Brady Township’s top issues, he said.

If elected, Hutchison also said he would address potholes and road repairs.