Voters to see four contested trustee races Nov. 3

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SHELBY COUNTY — There are four contested races for township trustees in Shelby County for the Nov. 3 election. Following are the candidates’ responses to a series of questions asked by Sidney Daily News.

McLean Township

Craig Bergman

Why are you running for office? What interests you about the office? If you are an incumbent, why are you seeking re-election?

“I am interested in running for office to further serve my community and to provide my skills and qualifications to the township.”

Have you held elective office before?

“No, I have never held elective office.”

What’s the biggest challenge facing the township and how do you expect to address that challenge?

“I believe that one of the biggest challenges facing the township, and any other public funded sector, is budget and ensuring that those providing the services are maximizing taxpayer dollars.”

What experience, education, strengths will you bring to the office?

“I have extensive field experience from my former and current employment that includes a degree in diesel mechanics, job site supervision and maintenance.”

What makes you the best person for this position?

“I believe that I am the best person for this position due to my leadership skills and ability to resolve issues. My hands on experience provides me with the capabilities to successfully fulfill the duties of township trustee. I have also served my community as a dedicated member of the Fort Loramie Fire Department for over 12 years and have served as an officer for the last 4 years.”

William Meyer, incumbent

Why are you running for office? What interests you about the office? If you are an incumbent, why are you seeking re-election?

“I am seeking re-election because I like the work.”

Have you held elective office before? If so, what office, where, when?

“I am a current township trustee.”

What’s the biggest challenge facing the township and how do you expect to address that challenge?

“A big challenge is keeping the township maintained while cuts are being made and costs are rising. It is on-going communication with many people.”

What experience, education, strengths will you bring to the office?

“I have been a township trustee for almost four terms now and I have always been and will still be available to do the job.”

What makes you the best person for this position?

“I am a self-employed farmer and have the time to do the township work. Also my past experiences and knowledge for the job.”

Franklin Township

Mike Christman

Why are you running for office? What interests you about the office? If you are an incumbent, why are you seeking re-election?

“I found the trustee position for me to be a very good way for me to support the township and community. I would also like to restart a couple of programs that were discontinued in 2014. The first would be the annual roadside trash pickup, this program involved local industries and youth groups to remove trash from the township roadways. The second initiative would be to demolish a condemned structure in Swanders, this building has been abandoned and condemned for several years and it poses a health hazard and negatively impacts property values in the neighborhood. I enjoy working with township residents to solve problems and work through various issues. I want to advance the township with continued general improvements that will benefit the residents and inspire people to stay in Franklin Township.”

Have you held elective office before? If so, what office, where, when?

“Franklin Township Trustee 2010-2014; Shelby County Deer Hunters Secretary (3 terms) 1970s and 80s; Shelby County Deer Hunters President (2 terms) 1980s; trustee at St. Jacobs Lutheran Church 2004-2010; president of St. Jacobs Lutheran Church Council 2010-2014.”

What’s the biggest challenge facing the township and how do you expect to address that challenge?

“While there are many, I believe one of the biggest challenges townships will face going forward will be the continued reduction in the amount of revenue received for the general operating budget and the escalating cost to maintain our infrastructure. These revenue reductions and cost increases will force a change in the way business is done and it will require some creative solutions. I feel my background has helped prepare me to work with others to take on these challenges.”

What experience, education, strengths will you bring to the office?

“I bring experience from two different career paths for this position. I have 44 years with the Emerson Climate Technologies, in which I held a variety of positions within the engineering and sales organizations. These different positions have provided me with a skill set to manage large complex construction projects, their budgets and resources. I can develop specifications for bids, write contracts and manage human resources. My last position as director of sales for North America at Emerson Retail Solutions provided me with my strongest asset, the ability to listen to people and understand the issue and work though it for a fair and equitable solution. As a lifelong farmer in Franklin Township, I have a deep commitment to safeguarding our natural resources while allowing our township to maintain forward progress.”

What makes you the best person for this position?

“I possess a can-do attitude and believe in customer service, I look at each resident of the township as my customer. I have the time and desire to work for all of the residents of Franklin Township. In my previous term as trustee in addition to the normal job duties, I saw the need to remove debris from our township roadways, I went to work and developed a program to fulfill the need and executed it for 4 years. I also listened to some residents in Swanders concerning the abandoned and condemned properties in their community, I was able to get one property demolished and started the paperwork on the second property before my term ended. I will work to finish that task if elected.”

Roger Schulze, incumbent

Why are you running for office? What interests you about the office? If you are an incumbent, why are you seeking re-election?

“My past 12 years serving as a Franklin Township Trustee have been very rewarding. I enjoy working with the public and I would like to continue providing service and safety for my community.”

Have you held elective office before? If so, what office, where, when?

“I have been a Franklin Township Trustee since 2003.”

What’s the biggest challenge facing the township and how do you expect to address that challenge?

“The township is facing budget cuts from the state. I will help the township to work within the budget to repair and maintain township roads.”

What experience, education, strengths will you bring to the office?

“I bring 12 years of experience and knowledge as a current township trustee. I have lived in the community in which I will serve for more than 50 years, and I have strong communication skills. I have been self-employed at Roger Schulze Trucking LLC for 15 years, which allows me to be available day and night to fulfill the township needs.”

What makes you the best person for this position?

“I believe the knowledge I already have of the expectations and needs of my community and of the commitment required to successfully fulfill the position, along with my availability, makes me the best person for Franklin Township Trustee.”

Green Township

Keith Gump, incumbent

Why are you running for office? What interests you about the office? If you are an incumbent, why are you seeking re-election?

“As the incumbent I would like to continue to serve the needs of the residents of Green Township. Having grown up living in Green Township I have strong values to serve the best interests of residents with township issues.”

Have you held elective office before?

“I am currently serving in my fourth term as a Green Township Trustee.”

What’s the biggest challenge facing the township and how do you expect to address that challenge?

“The biggest challenge of townships continues to be revenue. As less money is allocated to townships general funds it is more important now to spend those funds on the upkeep of the township while remaining with budget. Roads, cementery and snow removal being key parts of the budget.”

What experience, education, strengths will you bring to the office?

“I am a graduate of Fairlawn High School and Clark State College with a degree in agriculture business. I also hold a commercial driver’s license. Being employed within the township for an agriculture business allows for staying current in the event of inclement weather and road conditions.”

What makes you the best person for this position?

“Experience of serving four previous terms as a Green Township Trustee and handling issues of the township and the residents of the township with the best interest in mind.”

Jason A. Worley

Why are you running for office? What interests you about the office? If you are an incumbent, why are you seeking re-election?

“I believe there are areas that need attention and I decided instead of standing back and talking about it, I will step up to be part of the solution. I am interested and eager to be a part of the team of trustees that listens to concerns and resolves issues that arise through out the township.”

Have you held elective office before?

“No, I have not.”

What’s the biggest challenge facing the township and how do you expect to address that challenge?

“I believe that when someone has a concern, it needs addressed and they need to have answers, sometimes it may not be what they wanted to hear, but they should be answered, not ignored.”

What experience, education, strengths will you bring to the office?

“I have a background in the facility maintenance field, which includes snow removal, asphalt repair and many other general maintenance skills that would apply, but I feel my greatest asset is the ability to communicate with people on a personal level.”

What makes you the best person for this position?

“I am honest, hardworking and ready to help the other elected officials of my lifelong township and county to the best of my ability.”

Washington Township

Mark Nishwitz

Why are you running for office? What interests you about the office?

“After I returned from Afghanistan I felt like I needed to do something where I could make a difference. My Dad is a former Washington Township trustee and clerk and suggested I run for office.”

Have you held elective office before? If so, what office, where, when?

“I have not held a government-elected position but I am a current elected member of the Shelby County Farm Bureau board.”

What’s the biggest challenge facing the township and how do you expect

to address that challenge?

“I feel that the city of Sidney well field project is the biggest concern in the township currently. And protecting the rights of everyone using water from this aquifer will be a major issue. I will focus my attention to this subject first.”

What experience, education, strengths will you bring to the office?

“I’m a 1990 graduate of Hardin-Houston schools and a 1996 graduate of Edison college. I became a master certified auto technician in 2003. I believe my experience working in a research lab, at Emerson Climate Technologies, and working in Afghanistan, as a contractor, as well as a life time of experience on the farm will serve me well in the office of trustee.”

What makes you the best person for this position?

“My fresh point of view and strong problem solving skills along with my diverse background and youthful enthusiasm make me the best person for the job.”

Douglas Stangel, incumbent

Why are you running for office? What interests you about the office?

“To continue my services to the residents of Washington Township. There are a few projects that the other Trustees and myself have in the works, like to continue to help them.”

Have you held elective office before? If so, what office, where, when?

“Yes, I have been elected trustee of Washington Township from 1996 through 2006 and again in 2008 to present.”

What’s the biggest challenge facing the township and how do you expect

to address that challenge?

“The city of Sidney’s water pipeline. The township trustees are willing to work with the city, as well as the city of Sidney work with the township.”

What experience, education, strengths will you bring to the office?

“My total years as trustee is 20 years. The 20 years in office speaks for itself due to my experience and ability to work with the residents.”

What makes you the best person for this position?

“Helping the residents of Washington Township with their requests and solving any problems they may have this includes all residents throughout the township.”

Stangel
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2015/11/web1_Douglas-Stangel-Washington-Twp-2015.jpegStangel

Christmas
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2015/11/web1_Mark-Christman-Franklin-Twp.-2015-.jpgChristmas

Nishwitz
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2015/11/web1_Mark-Nishwitz-Washington-Twp.-2015-.jpgNishwitz

Worley
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2015/11/web1_Jason-A.-Worley-Green-Twp-2015-.jpgWorley

Bergman
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2015/11/web1_Craig-Bergman-McLean-Twp-2015-.jpgBergman

Gump
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2015/11/web1_Keith-Gump-Green-Twp-2015-.jpgGump

Schulze
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2015/11/web1_Roger-Schulze-Franklin-Twp-2015-.jpgSchulze

By Tom Stephens

For Sidney Daily News

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