WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio – Three candidates are vying for two seats on the Fayette Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors.
The supervisors are elected public officials, serving a three-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2026. The district covers all of Fayette County. The board is composed of five supervisors.
Board duties include understanding land and water conditions within the district; developing and implementing strategic and annual work plans for natural resource conservation and development; and establishing policies and priorities for conservation education and technical assistance.
Richard R. Davidson and Jared Persinger are seeking re-election. Jason Gentry is running for the first time.
Candidate information, provided by the candidates:
Richard R. Davidson
Davidson lives in Paint Township with his wife, Sara, and their two sons, Carter and Griffin. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in food, agriculture and biological engineering. Davidson farms with his father, Richard H. Davidson. Their farm utilizes numerous conservation practices, including grassed waterways, systematic tile and the Scioto CREP Program. Davidson is a member of the Fayette County Farm Bureau and the Fayette County United Way. He and his family are members of Grace United Methodist Church. He has served as a supervisor on the Fayette Soil & Water Conservation District Board for 18 years.
Jared Persinger
Persinger was born and raised in Fayette County on a fifth-generation family farm. He is a graduate of Miami Trace High School and The Ohio State University, where he earned degrees in atmospheric science (meteorology) and agriculture business. Persinger is a farmer and actively involved in his community. He believes farm conservation practices are vital for sustainability and that it is a moral responsibility to protect the soil, as well as encourage practices that protect water, wildlife and the interests of the non-agricultural community. He has served as a supervisor on the Fayette Soil & Water Conservation District Board for six years.
Jason Gentry
Gentry is a lifelong resident of Fayette County, born, raised and now living in Concord Township. He is a graduate of Wilmington College, where he earned a bachelor of science in agriculture with a minor in marketing. His involvement in the agriculture industry began with Premier Crops/Premier Grain, where he spent 10 years as a grain merchant and agronomy salesman. He currently works as a seed adviser and district sales manager for Beck’s Hybrids, where he has been for the last 18 years in Southern Ohio. His community activities include more than 25 years as a member of the Southwest Ohio Corn Growers Board and 15 years on the Fayette County Fair Board, where he helped raise money to rebuild many fairgrounds structures. He is a past Fayette County Chamber of Commerce board member and past president of the Fayette County Farm Bureau board. Gentry has a small farm in Union Township where he grows row crops. He serves as a Concord Township Trustee.
The election of supervisors for the Fayette Soil & Water Conservation District is held in accordance with Chapter 940 of the Ohio Revised Code. Eligible voters must be at least 18 years old and either reside in Fayette County or own or occupy land within Fayette County. A corporation, partnership, association or other entity registered with the Ohio Secretary of State that owns or occupies land in Fayette County may vote for supervisor. Such entities must designate a single representative to cast their ballot.
There are three ways an eligible voter can cast a ballot:
At the SWCD office, 1415 US 22 SW, Suite 500, Washington Court House, OH 43160, from July 8, 2025, until Aug. 6, 2025, during normal business hours.
At the SWCD Annual Meeting, which will take place at The Mahan Building, 213 Fairview Ave, Washington Court House, OH 43160, on Aug. 6, 2025. Voting will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
By voting absentee from July 8, 2025, until Aug. 6, 2025, by requesting a ballot application and election ballot from the SWCD office at 1415 US 22 SW, Suite 500, Washington Court House, OH 43160, by calling 740-313-3214, or by emailing [email protected]. Absentee ballots must be received by the SWCD office by 4 p.m. on Aug. 6, 2025.
For more information, contact Fayette SWCD Director Chet Murphy at 740-313-3214 or [email protected].
Fayette SWCD will hold a Joint Annual Meeting with Fayette County Farm Bureau on Aug. 6. The meal will be served at 6:30 p.m. Voters do not need to purchase a ticket to vote. Those wishing to attend the Annual Meeting and meal should contact Fayette County Farm Bureau at 937-382-4407 or email [email protected] before July 31 to RSVP. Tickets are limited and cost $15 each, payable at the door.