Garrett was born in Sylvania, Ohio. He has a bachelors degree in interior architecture from the Columbus College of Art & Design. 

Garrett is a professional CAD Designer for an electrical engineering firm. 

Ballotpedia, Garrett J. Sohnly

Garrett J. Sohnly's campaign for Delaware County Commission member is his first run for public office.

Economy

Transportation & Infrastructure

As of June 9, 2025, Garrett J. Sohnly’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Public Safety

Housing & Urban Development

- Supports protections for public spaces.

Public Services

Healthcare

Garrett J. Sohnly

Gary was born in Oklahoma City and grew up in Moore, Oklahoma. He attended the University of Oklahoma. He is married to his wife, Cathy, with whom he has 3 children and 3 grandchildren. He served as a mentor in the Columbus YMCA Leadership program. 

Delaware County, Elected Officials Directory

Gary previously worked as vice president and a publisher for Brown Publishing and Athens Messenger. He also worked as a publisher of the Delaware Gazette. He also served as president of the Ohio Newspaper Advertising Executives and as secretary of the executive committee of United Way of Delaware County. He also served on the board of directors of the Copperheads, a summer collegiate baseball league in Athens. 

Gary Merrell currently serves as a Delaware County Commissioner. He was elected to this position in 2012 and is serving his 3rd term. He is the president of the board of commissioners. 

Candidate website

Prioritizes job creation in Delaware County.

Prioritizes creating jobs in the county. 

Believes the county must have a strong retail industry and foster "smart residential growth".

Plans to collaborate with townships and city officials to enhance job growth.

Plans to work with townships and city officials to promote job growth.

- Prioritizes creating jobs in the county. 
- Supports protecting county agriculture.
- Believes the county must have a strong retail industry and foster "smart residential growth".
- Plans to work with townships and city officials to promote job growth.

As of June 9, 2025, Gary Merrell’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Plans to be readily available to county residents in office.

- Plans to be readily available to county residents in office.

Facebook

Gary Merrell

- County commissioners are in charge of county renewal projects and maintaining the streets, roads, and public utilities. These projects try to improve the quality of life in the county, like increasing access to food or award grants to bring jobs. 
- County commissioners control budgeting and appropriations in the county. This means that county commissioners control what organizations and individuals receive the money from the county budget. 
- County commissioners have authority over government taxing and purchasing, and they hold the titles to all of the county property. 
- County commissioners in Ohio are typically elected to 4-year terms in staggered years. Depending on your county, you may vote for the seat in your County Commission District, or all of them at-large. 

Member of the governing body for the county, has authority over taxing, budgeting, county property, and public services like utilities. 