New leader takes helm of county commission

NORWALK — First-term Huron County commissioner Brad Mesenburg was elected president of that group in early January. "I thought commissioner (Tom) Dunlap was joking that he was going to nominate me as president of the board. I guess he was not," Mesenburg said. "Really it is a ceremonial title. In the short time, this board has been together we have really gelled. It has been very helpful for me to have commissioner (Harry) Brady, commissioner Dunlap and our administrator, Vickie Ziemba, there to show me the ropes." Mesenburg, 42, said he thought about running for commissioner for a number of years and this last year, the time seemed right. "It has always been something that has been in the back of my mind. When commissioner Joe Hintz passed away I was approached about throwing my hat in at that point," Mesenburg said. "Timing wasn't that great for me. I had just been elected fiscal officer for Townsend Township and at the time still learning that role. However, that really got me thinking that running for commissioner is something I could do." Mesenburg said he decided to run for commissioner when he heard that former commissioners Terry Boose and Skip Wilde were retiring. "Again, it is all about timing," he said. "When commissioner Boose and commissioner Wilde indicated that they were not seeking reelection it kind of made it wide open. There was no real controversy or issues that made me run. I just want to continue the good work of the previous Board." He said he does not consider himself a politician. "Definitely not," he said. "County government, while partisan for election purposes, is not partisan when we are working on the business of the county." As for the most pressing issues the county is facing, Mesenburg named a few. He said rising property taxes, figuring out how a pause in federal funding would affect Huron County Job and Family Services, and fire and EMS coverage in the county are among the biggest issues. "While the county does not provide (EMS) services, I feel that we need to engage with our local government officials to make sure the needs of our community are being met," Mesenburg said. Other top priorities for Mesenburg's first year as president of the county commission include continuing to develop good working relationships with other elected officials, reviewing current facilities to see if anything can be consolidated, and planning to renovate the courthouse. He said the courthouse needs new floors, windows, and lighting, along with some exterior work. In his spare time, Mesenburg enjoys Browns and Buckeyes games and watching his kids' activities. He also works for his family's business, Mesenburg Bros., and is still fiscal officer for Townsend Township. Mesenburg and his wife, Leslie, have three children: Elise, 13, Eric, 11, and Eva, 10.