Veteran county employee Corey Shivel runs for Commissioner seat
Corey Shivel, a veteran employee of Washington County, is running for the Republican nomination for District 2 seat on the Washington County Board of County Commissioners.
With 28 years of experience, Shivel hopes to bring his extensive knowledge of county operations to the Commissioner's office.
Shivel began his career with the county in a humble capacity, mowing and patching roads. His dedication and hard work saw him rise through the ranks, first running equipment and later supervising the county's bridge crew.
For the past 14 years, Shivel has served as the Road and Bridge Supervisor for District 3, a role that he says has prepared him well for the responsibilities of a county commissioner.
"I decided to run because about 15 years ago, I thought I might want to do this someday," Shivel said. "Working closely with the current Commissioner, I gained a deep understanding of the job and built a solid working relationship with him. With Commissioner Bouvier retiring, I felt this was the right opportunity to step up."
Shivel's campaign centers on his extensive experience and commitment to continuity and stewardship.
"My goals are to manage the county's resources responsibly and continue the legacy of effective governance," he said. "It's about being a good steward of the county's money and maintaining the county."
In his current role, Shivel manages personnel and assists with the budget, gaining valuable insights into the county's financial operations.
"I believe the residents of Washington County would appreciate someone with my level of experience and knowledge," Shivel said. "I've been part of this community for nearly three decades, and I'm deeply committed to its well-being."
Shivel highlighted the collaborative nature of his work, noting that his relationship with other district supervisors has always been positive and cooperative.
"If one district needs help, we're there to support each other," Shivel said. "I've known my counterparts for several years, and we work well together."
When asked about his vision for the county, Shivel emphasized pragmatic and achievable goals.
"The role of a county commissioner isn't about making grand changes single-handedly," he said. "It's about working as part of a team to manage resources effectively and ensure our county runs smoothly. My experience has taught me that it's a collaborative effort."
Shivel says his deep roots in the community, combined with his extensive hands-on experience, make him a unique candidate.
"You don't often find someone who's worked their way up from the ground level and understands every facet of the job like I do," Shivel said.
As he campaigns, Shivel plans to focus on his track record and the relationships he has built over the years.
"The response from the public has been very positive," he noted. "People appreciate my long-term commitment and the practical experience I bring to the table."
Shivel lives in Ochelata with his family. His wife works as the treasurer for Caney Valley School. He believes that his candidacy offers a unique blend of experience and dedication that will serve Washington County well.
The Republican primary elections are set for June 18, and Shivel faces Michael Colaw and Daryl Worley for the seat.
This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Corey Shivel: From road crew to commissioner candidate
