Commissioner candidates answer student questions

NORWALK — Four candidates seeking two seats on the Huron County commission discussed government spending, public services and economic development Tuesday during a debate before students enrolled in government classes at Norwalk High School. The debate, hosted at the Ernsthausen Performing Arts Center, was part of the Sandusky Register and Norwalk Reflector's 2026 In-Schools Debate Series. A recording of the full 55-minute event is available on norwalkreflector.com and sanduskyregister.com, along with the Sandusky Register and Norwalk Reflector's YouTube channels. Republican Terry Boose, a former county commissioner and state representative, faces Libertarian Cassaundra Fryman, the mayor of Plymouth, for a four-year term beginning in January. Republican Bob Morgan, who was appointed to the county commission in 2025, faces independent Kevin Rasnick in a separate race to complete an unexpired term ending in 2028. The event, sponsored by the Greater Sandusky Partnership, featured questions prepared by the government students covering county finances, economic development, public accountability and other local issues. Goals for county government Close to a dozen students asked questions to the candidates. One student asked candidates to identify a specific goal they would like to accomplish during their term and explain how residents could measure their success. Rasnick said establishing measurable goals should begin with understanding what residents want, whether that involves jobs, funding for programs or other priorities. "We need to know what they want," Rasnick said. "The biggest thing I think that can be measured is being able to have a conversation." He said residents should be able to communicate with their commissioners, receive responses to emails and evaluate how accessible their elected officials are. Morgan identified improvements to the county dog warden's office as one of his priorities. "It's way overdue for renovation or replacement," Morgan said. He said commissioners are working toward allowing volunteers to help care for animals, including walking dogs, something he said has not previously been permitted. He added that volunteers are crucial. Fryman focused on emergency medical services and support for first responders, particularly in communities farther from emergency resources. "We need to build out better infrastructure and figure out a way to make sure that they are well supported and funded," Fryman said. She said improved emergency response times for outlying communities would provide a measurable indication of success. Boose emphasized financial stability and long-term budget planning, drawing on his previous experience in public office. "It's how you set that budget and how you plan and how stable it is," Boose said. He said commissioners must understand county revenues and expenses while developing plans that address both immediate needs and future capital projects. Schools and economic opportunities Students also questioned the candidates about the county's handling of land negotiations involving Norwalk Schools. The question referred to a long-drawn-out and sometimes contentious deal for the county to sell about 13 acres to the school district and swap another 10 acres between the two parties. The deal was inked in July 2025, and ground broke for the district's goal from the negotiations — building a new pre-K-8 school on Shady Lane Drive — this past May. Morgan acknowledged that the process had been difficult but said the eventual outcome was appropriate. Rasnick said officials should base decisions on facts rather than emotions. Fryman called for greater collaboration, communication and professionalism, while Boose defended the public discussion and said he supported selling the property to the school district at fair market value. Other questions addressed the county's economic future and opportunities available to students after graduation. Boose highlighted manufacturing, agriculture and construction jobs, along with the need for affordable housing. Fryman emphasized livable wages and opportunities for small businesses. Morgan encouraged students to consider careers in the skilled trades, while Rasnick discussed remote work opportunities and the importance of reliable internet access and maintaining an affordable cost of living. Candidates also addressed political affiliation, government transparency, grant funding, inflation and how they would protect essential services if county revenues declined. The two commissioner races will be decided in the Nov. 3 general election.