Another candidate running for Huron County commissioner

NORWALK — There's a new face in the race for Huron County commissioner. Kevin Rasnick, of Norwalk, recently filed to run as an independent in this fall's general election and will oppose Republican Bob Morgan. Rasnick, a 2003 Monroeville High School graduate, works for BAS Broadcasting and was formerly director of the Huron County Chamber of Commerce, a former Monroeville village council member and a former sports announcer for WLKR/K96. He's married to his wife, Betsy, and they have two sons, Brycen and Carson. Earlier this year, ahead of the May primaries, the Reflector sent questions to candidates in the commission race asking them about their positions and priorities if they were elected. The newspaper posed those same questions to Rasnick. Here is how he answered: Q: Why are you running for Huron County commissioner, and what is the first issue you would act on if elected? A: I'm running for Huron County commissioner because I fell in love with public service during my time on Monroeville village council. I was fortunate to be mentored by many community leaders, including the late commissioner Mike Adelman, whose example continues to inspire me. The first issue I will act on is transparency. Huron County residents and all our communities deserve clear, consistent access to their county government. I will work to implement live-streamed commissioner meetings with recordings available on demand. Many people can't attend weekday morning meetings, and the ability to watch or listen later is essential for accountability and public trust. Q: What is the biggest financial challenge facing Huron County, and what specific action would you take to address it? A: I think long-term financial sustainability. Looking at the long-term financial outlook of Huron County and, frankly, nearly every other county in Ohio, and there is some cause for concern. One of the things I will be looking for is how we can keep our tax base strong. It's no secret that Huron County is in a declining population trend. So how do we keep people in the county and how do we attract new residents (without losing our small town feel)? Specifically, I will be working with local economic development organizations as well as our friends at the statehouse in Columbus. I also plan on reaching out to the youth of the county using the relationships I developed with the schools in my years of being in their basketball gyms and football press boxes while I was a broadcaster. I want to hear from them on what keeps them in the county or what drives them away. Q: What is your position on tax incentives or abatements for large developments, including projects like data centers? A: Tax incentives or abatements need to be looked at on a case-by-case basis. You have to study if the long-term gains outweigh any short-term losses. Also making sure the community that would be most affected by any incentive or abatements are a part of the process from the beginning. The same can be said for data centers. Do any of the positives outweigh the negatives of bringing a data center into the community, and is that information being clearly and honestly stated to the community? Q: In your view, where is county government currently overstepping, and where is it falling short? A: One of the things I have heard when talking to residents is that, in recent years, they are viewed as the "do-nothing commissioners." Fair or unfair, that is the perception. I think that stems from not county government overstepping but from county government making the communities within the county feel like they are on an island all alone. I think it's important to establish that the county government and local municipality/township government are on the same team while also respecting the different roles each plays. Q: What responsibility does county government have, if any, in shaping the direction or character of the community? A: I think the role of the county government is to listen to the will of the people on what they want, the direction or character of the community to be. How do we achieve or maintain that, depending on what a person's perspective is. We do that through dot-connecting with resources who can help and with smart legislation. Q: How should commissioners respond when residents strongly disagree on community standards or priorities? A: This reminds me of one of Mike Adelman's favorite quotes: "Sometimes doing your best isn't good enough, sometimes you have to do what is required." I think as a county commissioner, you have to recognize that you may have to make decisions that aren't always going to be popular. You have to be OK with that. Having said that, if you are going to make an unpopular decision, you have to be as transparent as to why you made that decision. You also have to make sure you hear from all sides of an "argument" before you make up your mind. You owe the residents of Huron County that much. Q: What role should the county play in working with nonprofit and faith-based organizations that provide services? A: Working with these organizations is imperative to the success of the county. I did that every day when I was at the chamber/Huron County Growth Partnership. I participated directly with the county on economic development projects. I helped prepare for the eclipse a few years back and worked with the county on various other projects. The role and scope of work of the county commissioners is relatively limited. Nonprofit and faith-based organizations can work outside the scope and limitations of county government to help the people of Huron County whether it's Norwalk Arts Center or Artist Open Studio in Norwalk, Boys and Girls Club in New London or Mini Main Street in Monroeville or all the various other nonprofits throughout the county. Those organizations need to know that they all serve a strong and important purpose in the county and that they are appreciated and have support from the county commissioners. Same for the faith-based organizations as well. Q: How do you ensure all residents are represented fairly when working with organizations rooted in specific beliefs? A: I think it goes back to transparency. Letting residents know the who, what, where and why you are working with an organization. It is also important to hear opposing views and to try and find a compromise or common ground if possible. Q: To what extent should a public official's personal values guide policy decisions? A: I think your personal values should guide how you treat people and how you treat the process. In terms of policy? It doesn't really belong in the equation. Q: When personal beliefs conflict with the needs or views of constituents, how should that be handled? A: That goes to making sure you are a public servant and putting the needs or wants of the counties above your own needs or views. I can't imagine that would be too difficult, though. It's been my observation that we all kind of want the same thing for the county. A good place to live, work and worship. Q: What does "serving the public" mean in practical terms as a county commissioner? A: It means listening to residents and making decisions with the best interests of the residents in mind that will hopefully improve their everyday lives. To me, it also means being available to the residents. Making sure I respond to emails or voicemails. One thing I'd like to do, if possible, is to implement open office hours. Meaning for a few hours a week, making myself available to meet with residents to have open discussions. Q: What would success look like at the end of your term? A: I think a balanced budget should be the goal of anyone running for commissioner. From there, I hope a culture of transparency and collaboration will have been established. Hopefully a road map for the next person to solve any current or future challenges the county may face. I also hope people will say he did things the right way and we always knew what he stood for. Regardless if they agreed with me or not.