County Commissioner Armando S. Rodriguez has lived most of his life in Precinct 4, the district that comprises the southern portion of the Ector County. According to Rodriguez, not much has changed in his 49 years.

"Precinct 4 is really behind," Rodriguez said. "It’s been very slow."

Rodriguez, a Democrat elected in 2006, faces a primary challenge from local contractor Dean Aussem. The winner in the Democratic primary faces independent candidate Chuck Geshlider, a self-proclaimed "radical constitutionalist," in November. The position has a term of four years and pays an annual salary of $43,835 plus a $5,400 car allowance.

While he is proud of some progress he achieved in his first term, Rodriguez said he needs another four years to get the precinct on the right track. He points to his local upbringing and understanding of the community as strengths in his campaign for re-election.

Rodriguez contends he is more connected to the community than his opponent and better understands the needs of his constituents.

He said he proved he is the man for the job during the past four years by making his constituents more aware of important issues, such as the pressing need for economic development. He also takes credit for increased code enforcement regarding illegal dumping and helping bring Little League baseball back to south Odessa.

Rodriguez said he has been involved in politics since his days at the former Ector High School, where he was part of the student council. Rodriguez graduated from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in business administration.

In his free time, Rodriguez said he enjoys collecting coins and attending community functions.

"My enjoyment is politicking," Rodriguez said.

If re-elected, Rodriguez said he pledges to continue making Precinct 4 a better place to live. His goals include further tamping down on illegal dumping and building a connection from FM 3503 to JBS Parkway to attract more business to the area.

"I’m still working on several projects," Rodriguez said. "We have not asked for a lot. I think now the new generation would like to see a lot of changes. I can’t make a lot of miracles, but at least I can show them the direction."

Dean Aussem said he is running for county commissioner because several people in Precinct 4 have approached him and suggested he throw his hat in the ring.

"I think that I can be a real effective commissioner," Aussem said. "I’d really listen to the constituents."

Aussem, 48, is challenging incumbent Armando S. Rodriguez for his seat on the county commission. The winner in the Democratic primary on March 2 will face independent candidate Chuck Geshlider, a self-proclaimed "radical constitutionalist," in November.

The position has a term of four years and pays an annual salary of $43,835 plus a $5,400 car allowance.

If elected, Aussem said he plans to tackle several important matters, including fighting for regulations on oil exploration in south Odessa, which he referred to as "a hot button issue." He said pump jacks are popping up "right in the backyards of people’s homes."

"That’s really detrimental to the property owner," Aussem said.

Asked whether Rodriguez, the incumbent, had done enough to address the matter, Aussem said he did not want to disparage Rodriguez because he likes him.

"We’ll let the record speak for itself," Aussem said.

In a candidate profile Aussem submitted to the Odessa American, he said the community "desperately needs a commissioner who will represent the citizens of Precinct 4 and be their spokesman and advocate."

Aussem is a contractor and said he plans to retain that profession if elected. He is a graduate of Odessa College, where he studied business and accounting. In his free time, Aussem enjoys hunting, fishing and snow skiing.

Aussem said he does not have any plans for economic development projects as of now. Differing from Rodriguez’s view that Precinct 4 is far behind the rest of Ector County, Aussem said he has seen "a tremendous amount of growth over the last four or five years."

"Things are starting to take off out here," Aussem said. "I don’t think it’s lagging behind."

Like Rodriguez, Aussem plans to place a heavy emphasis on tamping down on illegal dumping in Precinct 4. He also stresses the need for the Ector County Sheriff’s Office to receive adequate funding.