Here they are, my picks for Hancock County Commissioner, Sheriff, Treasurer and Coroner. Your feedback and comments are suggested and encouraged. You can agree or disagree with who and why - just keep it civil when telling me (and others) where I went wrong and how I failed you. Now, without further delay...
For Hancock County Coroner, FCPolitico endorses JOHN P. ZIEGLER. Even though challenger Mark Fox has been working under the current coroner, Leroy Schroeder, for the past seven years, I think that a fresh perspective and a clean start are sometimes more important that continuity.
Ziegler operates a private practice (versus working for Blanchard Valley Medical Associates), and also believes that the county should look at saving a little money by doing autopsies here instead of paying Lucas County. Just the idea of doing that, and not keeping the status quo in place because it is working, gets my vote.
For Hancock County Treasurer, FCPolitico endorses J. STEVE WELTON. Even though he has taken a lot of criticism for closing the treasurer's office over the lunch hour, he explained it as a result of limited personnel and security concerns...two things that he should not be faulted for. Now that he has enough people to keep the office manned, people will be looking to make sure that opening back up over the noon hour was more than a political maneuver.
While in office, Welton has implemented ways to pay taxes via the computer and telephone, showing a move into the technological arena. Larry Settlemire has experience running a company (as President of Imperial Construction), but I am not sure how well that translates into being the treasurer for the county (he is young and could run again in four years). For now, I will stick with Welton, and make sure he delivers on what he promises.
For Hancock County Sheriff, FCPolitico endorses THOMAS L. RENNINGER. I appreciate the job that Michael Heldman has done over the past 12 years, especially considering the financial limitations he has faced, but perhaps a change in management style will help address some of these issues.
Thomas Renninger has the experience to do the job, and can take what he learned handling a large budget and staff as Findlay police chief and apply it on the county level. I am not suggesting that the change WILL make a difference, but as someone who pays taxes, I think that a new course of action should be looked at - and that means a change in leadership.
The duties of the office will remain the same no matter how much the county is bringing in and giving the departments, so it is important to spend money wisely. I am sure that Sheriff Heldman has done what he thinks is correct (and I cannot fault him for any specific action), but I think that someone else may be needed to take the office to 'the next level', especially when it comes to jail expansion and allocation of resources. That is why I am willing to give Renninger the opportunity to show us what he thinks he can do.
For Hancock County Commissioner, FCPolitico endorses ROBERT J. KUHLMAN and EMILY A. WALTON.
I am selecting Kuhlman over Ingold for two reasons: communications and credibility. Ingold may be a brilliant man with a knowledge of finances and operations that surpasses those of the common citizens...and he would be the first to let you know of it. On three occasions, I have had the opportunity to watch him answer questions from people just like you and me, and every time I have come away disappointed. He is smart, and he does his best to prove it to you. Instead of being empathetic about your situation, be is emphatic that it is not the county's fault. Yet despite whatever skills or intentions Ingold has, the county is pretty much in the same position it was in when he took office...and that's not good.
Kuhlman may be brash sometimes, but he gets to the point. He knows be might be better than others...but it is usually directed at those who are in the positions of responsibility, not those paying the salaries. I believe Kuhlman would be a better communicator, and in my opinion, anything coming from him is instantly more credible than his opponent. I appreciate that he is willing to look at technology to keep citizens engaged (one look at the Commissioners website tells you all you need to know about their technical skills), and he would bring a no-nonsense attitude, and a conservative fiscal policy, when it comes to managing county resources. He may not be an ideal candidate, but I think he is a better option than who currently holds the office.
For the other seat, we are left between selecting an incumbent, a commissioner who has been voted out (and lost in a comeback bid), or a political newcomer. First, let's take Brad Griffin out of the mix...not necessarily because he does not have any experience, but because the time just is not right for someone new with good intentions and a willingness to learn. That time was two years ago, and someone filled the position. I would encourage Griffin to remain involved (attend meetings, write letters to the editor, become a trustee) and come back in two (or four) years. If nothing else, the experience of running for office will help him if he decides to try again.
So that leaves me to choose between Oman and Walton...and let me put it this way - back in 2004, even I was thinking about running for commissioner so we could get Oman out of office. I do not harbor any ill will toward him personally, but I do not think that he did a good job while he was commissioner, and I am not willing to give him another opportunity at the expense of removing Walton (he picked the wrong person to run against). Walton, on the other hand, is a tireless worker who has come to understand the nuances of the position. I was impressed by her at the candidate's forum, and also believe that she provided the most thoughtful set of answers to the questionnaire I sent out.
Also, I like how the commissioners office shapes up if everything happens the way I want
- Emily Walton, a older female, with four years of experience
- Philip Riegle, a younger male, with two years of experience
- Robert Kuhlman, an older male, bringing new ideas to the group with a wealth of experience from other boards and Findlay City Council
It is a nice mix of young and old, both genders, different backgrounds and philosophies, working together with our best interests in mind. Now, if it only works out that way in real life instead of in my politically idealistic world.
No matter what party you are from, or whether the weather is going to be icky, make sure you get out and vote tomorrow. Polls are open from 6:30a to 7:30p. If you are not sure where to vote, click here or call the Hancock County Board of Elections at 419-422-3245 . As always, if you need a ride, e-mail me and I will hook up Xavier and Snowflake to the sled and come get you. Democracy...it's fan-tastic!
-RSKnopfJr
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