Economic development, improving roads and bridges and attracting new businesses are key issues the candidates for Clay County eastern commissioner have stressed throughout the campaign.

Republican Luann Ridgeway and Democrat Sherry C. Duffett are competing to replace Katee Porter on the three-member commission. Citing family and other personal commitments, Porter opted not to seek another term.

Ridgeway and Duffett were unopposed in their primary elections. Ridgeway has served in the Missouri House and Senate. Duffett, who works in the county assessor's office, ran unsuccessfully for county clerk two years ago.

Duffett said she would work to promote the county, which would attract economic development and bring new retail and businesses. Duffett also said she would engage and encourage fellow officeholders to regularly meet with department heads and county employees to share ideas and find ways to improve operations.

Ridgeway said it was important for the county to work to sustain and enhance its parks and trails system and find ways to attract businesses and jobs. It also should continue to take advantage of its existing ties to other municipalities and the state to attract economic development and other growth opportunities, Ridgeway said.