SIDNEY — Two newcomers are vying for the fiscal officer position for Green Township. The winner of Tuesday’s election will replace Debra Middleton.
Joseph “Joey” Everett, 26, 20357 Sidney Plattsville Road, Sidney, and Mack A. Knupp, 22, 17707 McCloskey School Road, Sidney, will appear on the ballot on election day.
Everett is a farmer on the family farm. He is married to Casey Everett and they have a dog, Cooper. This is the first time he has tried to be elected to a political position. In high school he was selected for Buckeye Boys state and worked at the Green Township polls for government class.
Knupp is employed by Knoop Farms and the Shelby County Highway Department. He is the son of J.D. and Lori Knupp. He doesn’t have any political experience but served as class treasurer in high school and was involved in parliamentary procedure through the FFA.
These are the answers to questions posed to them about the election.
What are the primary issues in your township?
Knupp: “The primary issue in Green township is an issue seen in many townships. Townships are continuing to be required to do more work with less money in their budget. I think I can do a good job at advising the trustees how to best use the money allotted to the township, while still getting many things accomplished.”
Everett: “The biggest issue is state funding.”
Why are you seeking office?
Everett: “To take part in my community. I was member of Green Township 4-H club, Shelby County Junior Fair Board, and took part in Fairlawn School activities. In the Navy I volunteered with taking Shelby County Veterans to Washington, D.C., and at a local farmer’s market in Virginia. Being back in my own community I want to be involved in local government.”
Knupp: “I am seeking office because I love being involved in my community. Green township has been a great place for me to grow up and I want to continue to keep it a great place for my generation and generations to come. Growing up on the farm has always made me want to be involved and make my community a better place.”
What makes you a better candidate?
Knupp: “I believe that I am a better candidate because I have been involved the community for many years starting in my early years of high school. Following my grandpa around I learned a lot about the ditches, farm tile, farms, and roads in all Green Township. With my current occupation I have learned about road care and how to make them last while still staying within budget. I feel I can combine the knowledge I gained about the township at a young age, what I have learned in college and being involved with the farm, and what I have learned at my current job to maximize what is done with the township budget and keep the township a nice place to live.”
Everett: “Experience. In the Navy I encountered a lot of different experiences that have helped mold and develop me into the person I am today. On the U.S.S. Roosevelt I was in charge of a work center and was held accountable for the operation of aircraft communication. With dedication, devotion, and ability to go above and beyond my responsibility I was chosen as the ship’s sailor of the year.”
If elected fiscal officer, is there anything you would change?
Everett: “As of right now there is nothing I would change from going to the meetings and seeing how things are being taken care of.”
Knupp: “I do not believe there is a whole lot I would change. I am sure there is things that need to be updated, but I believe the township is on the right track and there is not a whole lot of changes that need to be done.”
Other comments:
Knupp: “I was born and raised in Green Township and it is a part of who I am. I have always liked giving back and helping people out. I currently am a Volunteer Fire Fighter with Port Jefferson Fire Department and Perry Port Salem Rescue Squad. I have an associates degree from the University of Northwestern Ohio in Agribusiness management and Technology.”
Everett: “I have an associate’s degree, and am currently pursuing a bachelor’s in Business Management from Bluffton University.”
