Benjamin Perricone, former chairman of Manchester's Planning and Zoning Commission, will run for county commissioner as a Republican.

Perricone, 43, of Westminster, said he filed for the race because he felt the average Carroll County resident needed an alternative to the candidates who already filed.

"I think people want someone who's more of a regular, working-class person, not a huge land owner or a business owner," he said. Perricone represents automobile makers in negotiations with customers over service problems.

Perricone said county leaders must choose a primary identity for Carroll as a bedroom, farm or industrial community and then tailor planning decisions to that choice. The county can't continue trying to be all three at once, he argued.

He also said Carroll residents don't get enough for their tax dollars, because the county doesn't provide trash pick-up or professional fire service.

Perricone joins a Republican field full of experienced public servants. Incumbent commissioners Julia Walsh Gouge and Robin Bartlett Frazier are seeking re-election. Other Republican challengers include Ed Primoff, Dean Minnich, Henry G. Griese IV, county planning commission member David L. Brauning and Union Bridge Mayor Perry L. Jones Jr.

Three Democrats, one Green Party member and one independent have also filed to run for the three commissioner seats. Candidates have until 9 p.m. tomorrow to file.