Commissioner candidates answer questions

With early voting beginning this week, voters in Huron County can now select future leaders of the county commission. Primary voters in Huron County could vote in up to two county commissioner races on or before May 5: Seat No. 1 • Republican Bob Morgan, appointed last year to fill the seat vacated by Brad Mesenburg, is running unopposed in the Republican primary. No other candidates from other parties are running. Seat No. 2 • Republicans Terry Boose, Royden Smith and Jeffery Ritz, are running against each other in this Republican primary. Republican Harry Brady, who currently occupies this seat, is not seeking re-election. • Libertarian Cassaundra Fryman is running unopposed in the Libertarian primary. • No Democratic candidates filed to run in this election. Each candidate answered a series of questions submitted by the newspaper on a range of issues, including county finances, tax policy, governance and community priorities. Here are their responses: Q: Why are you running for Huron County commissioner, and what is the first issue you would act on if elected? • Bob Morgan: I am running to keep the county in a good financial state. It takes all three commissioners working together to act on any issue. • Jeffery Ritz: I have lived in Huron County for 27 years. I care deeply about Huron County and the people who call it home. Huron County is already a great community that provides a host of services for our residents. I want to build on that success while also addressing the challenges that we face. In my current role as a school superintendent, I operate with a $17 million budget. I have had the privilege of overseeing a $52 million building project. That project went out for bid and came in 19.9% under budget. We have managed these budgets very conservatively and have been able to operate without asking the community for additional money. Responsible financial management is what I will bring to this role. My experience as a school superintendent has given me the skills necessary to work alongside the other commissioners as they help lead our community forward. I regularly bring together community members, municipalities and other stakeholders to address issues. As an active listener, my job has trained me in the importance of working with people and truly understanding their concerns. One of the biggest issues facing our community is the reliance on property taxes. If elected, I would focus on improving communication with residents while working to pursue grants and other funding opportunities in order to ease the heavy reliance on property taxes. • Terry Boose: I'm the right person at the right time to be running for the open commissioner's seat. Since retirement from the office, I've been closely following county business and have concerns with potential issues with the county budget. A commissioner is only one of a three-person board and can't make decisions independently, but I would focus on a detailed review of the current budget and work to ensure future budgets are sustainable. • Cassandra Fryman: I'm running to help move Huron County in a direction that is more collaborative, and responsive to the needs of the entire county. My first action would be to review the county operations and budgets. I will identify areas of prioritization for core services: public safety, infrastructure, health and social services. • Royden Smith: I have served as a township trustee, school board member, and many other elected positions and aspire to continue my public service representing Huron County as a county commissioner. As far as issues, my priority is to provide sound financial decision-making for the benefit of our community. Q: What is the biggest financial challenge facing Huron County, and what specific action would you take to address it? • Morgan: Working together to keep a balanced budget. • Ritz: The biggest financial challenge facing Huron County is our heavy reliance on property taxes. While we are fortunate to have strong services, we need to ensure that they remain sustainable without overburdening residents. I believe that bringing all stakeholders together to better understand their concerns and present the facts surrounding property taxes, would be instrumental in finding solutions. By working together, Huron County could actively pursue grants and alternative funding opportunities, which would reduce the reliance on property taxes. • Boose: The biggest challenge facing Huron County now is a potentially unsustainable budget – spending more from the general fund than we are taking in. I believe all three commissioners should discuss the budget in open meetings to come up with a sustainable budget that allows county departments to work efficiently and effectively. • Fryman: The biggest challenge is balancing rising service costs with limited revenue growth. I would implement multi-year budgeting, pursue targeted grants, as well as inform the county leadership of potential opportunities with their departments and municipalities for grants and funding as well. There is a lot of legislation moving through the state that will greatly impact how revenue is managed at the county level. We need someone who will be proactive and engaged county wide to advocate for everyone. • Smith: The biggest financial challenges facing Huron County are funding the Huron County Sheriff Department and long-term planning and management of the Huron County Transfer Facility. Regarding the Transfer facility, I would contact the Ohio EPA to facilitate discussions on future operations and management options. Q: What is your position on tax incentives or abatements for large developments, including projects like data centers? • Morgan: Tax incentives are viewed as good and bad. If you do not do them, some other county will. • Ritz: As a whole, I do not generally support tax abatements, but I understand that in some cases they may be necessary to create jobs or improve services. If abatements are used, they must be transparent, short-term and beneficial to the entire community. I believe that all stakeholders should be involved in the conversation so decisions are made with a full understanding of their impact. • Boose: Data centers seem to be the hot new topic and I anticipate changes in state law regarding them. Any tax incentives or abatements should be looked at on an individual project-by-project basis, taking into account advice from groups like Huron County Growth Partnership and individual citizens. Research and analysis must be done on each individual project before any decision is made. • Fryman: I support incentives selectively and transparently when they can create net local benefits. Permanent jobs as well as long-term tax base growth must be in the proposal. I would also insist any agreements include clear performance metrics, claw back provisions, and a transparent public review. • Smith: Regarding tax abatements and incentives for large developments, I would use caution and discernment to ensure that it is for the benefit of the residents of Huron County, not simply for large corporations. I would encourage private enterprise as long as the benefits outweigh the cost. Q: In your view, where is county government currently overstepping, and where is it falling short? • Morgan: The county is currently running smoothly. • Ritz: Huron County already does many things well, but we can always improve on how we work together and how we communicate with residents. I believe that communication and collaboration strengthen relationships. When people feel heard and respected, better outcomes follow. • Boose: I think most government overstepping occurs at the state and national level and not at the local level. If the county works together with cities, villages and townships, we can refrain from overstepping on each other or on individual citizen's rights. We must always be cognizant of individual rights. I believe we need more transparency in how commissioners are making decisions and working together with other entities to make sure Huron County is fairly balancing citizens' needs and rights. • Fryman: Overstepping: When county action hinders the performance of departments across the county. The commissioners must prioritize solving the issues in the county instead of being a roadblock. Too often, we have been left to fend for ourselves without any follow up or assistance. Falling short: Communication has been a huge issue. Modernizing services and increasing accessibility for residents to those services their tax dollars are paying for. • Smith: While going door-to-door, I have learned that the residents of Huron County are primarily concerned about property taxes and the over-reach of new septic system requirements that are being handed down from the State. Government is falling short in long-term planning. To explain myself in this area, elected officials tend to focus on issues and results that will get them re-elected. We need to look beyond ourselves. Q: What responsibility does county government have, if any, in shaping the direction or character of the community? • Morgan: Show support that is within the scope of the duties of the commissioners. • Ritz: Huron County already has a strong foundation. Strong leadership provides the basis to build on that by supporting and guiding, not dictating, the direction of the community. By taking a common sense approach, we can help shape a shared vision while pursuing opportunities that strengthen the county. • Boose: Government should conform to the culture of the community instead of trying to change or shape it. We need to recognize the culture of our small, rural, agricultural community and honor and preserve that. We are fortunate in Huron County to have citizens with varied backgrounds and interests and we all benefit from the diversity of our residents. • Fryman: County government should serve as the glue holding everyone together. They should be the biggest advocates for the municipalities and townships as well as all the service departments within. County government should set policies that maintain public health and safety, economic stability, and well- maintained infrastructure. They also need to respect local identity while fostering a sense of economic opportunity, preserving public spaces, and workforce development. • Smith: The decisions of the commissioners should be a reflection of the priorities of the community and lead to sound financial decision-making. Q: How should commissioners respond when residents strongly disagree on community standards or priorities? • Morgan: Listen to their concerns and act accordingly. • Ritz: Disagreements require leadership that listens and respects all viewpoints. By focusing on listening first and understanding concerns, we can bring people together, find common ground and move forward while maintaining respect and dignity for all. • Boose: Listening to all sides of a subject and learning about issues is a large part of a commissioner's job. The difficult part is taking in consideration all local, state and federal laws and policies and balancing those with residents' opinions. When citizens have strong opinions on a topic, other residents often have strong opposing opinions. There is no way to make everyone happy on every subject so commissioners have to weigh all sides of an issue and balance that with legal requirements to come up with decisions that serve the best interests of the county as a whole. But all sides should have the opportunity to publicly state their case. • Fryman: There are going to be issues that can create divisions within the county. The best way forward is what I've always done. Listen actively, be transparent, allow everyone the opportunity to be heard, provide clear factual information, and seek compromise where possible. Decisions should be made with the entire county in mind. They should be objective and transparent. When a decision is made that doesn't satisfy all sides, you need to be able to clearly explain your reasoning as well as to how it best serves the broader public interest. • Smith: The commissioners should encourage attendance at the county commissioner meetings for feedback and make decisions that benefit the majority. We can also try to make the commissioner website more user-friendly to the public. Q: What role should the county play in working with nonprofit and faith-based organizations that provide services? • Morgan: Treat all organizations equally. • Ritz: Non-profits and faith-based organizations are important partners in providing services within our county. Huron County already benefits from strong partnerships with these organizations and we should continue to build on those relationships. In my experience working with people and organizations across the community, I understand their needs and how we can work together effectively. Likewise, these partnerships often help us identify funding opportunities. • Boose: Nonprofits and faith-based organizations provide important services in our communities. Commissioners should appreciate their contributions and cultivate a good working relationship with them. • Fryman: I am a firm believer that private entities are often more effective at solving issues than government for multiple reasons. They have limited funds and know how to stretch them, can move faster due to having less bureaucratic red tape, and are staffed by people living in the communities they serve and can identify a need more effectively. The county should be eager to partner with various organizations to fill service gaps, coordinate efforts, and leverage limited resources. Agreements must be based on service outcomes and equity, with public funds (if any) tied to measurable performance requirements. • Smith: The government should not interfere with the services provided by non-profit or faith-based organizations unless they lead to the detriment of our community. Q. How do you ensure all residents are represented fairly when working with organizations rooted in specific beliefs? • Morgan: Treat all equally • Ritz: Fair representation starts with respect, listening and transparency. Everyone deserves to be heard and treated with dignity. It has been my experience that understanding concerns from multiple perspectives helps ensure that all voices are included. Many times, common ground comes to the forefront. In this way, all decisions are made fairly for the entire community. • Boose: A commissioner represents the entire county and must do what benefits the county as a whole instead of just satisfying a specific person or organization. The only way to get to the best decision for the majority is to take the time to listen to as many opinions as possible and to research issues. In my 16 years as a county commissioner and eight years as a state representative, I've spoken to thousands of people, attended countless meetings and spent a great deal of time researching issues. Many decisions will leave someone unhappy, but each person should at least be able to publicly state their position and know they have been heard. • Fryman: I currently serve on the board for ACCESS in Ashland County. We are a faith-based organization addressing the shelter needs of women and families in the county. It responds to a need in the county that wasn't being met. Huron County has needs that faith-based organizations are helping to meet as well. The county can best help by being open to working with a diverse group of providers so residents of all backgrounds and beliefs can access services. • Smith: First and foremost, we should always respect the rights and freedoms of each other without imposing our will on others. It is my duty to listen and be accessible to the community to determine a positive direction for Huron County. Q. To what extent should a public official's personal values guide policy decisions? • Morgan: Should not affect any decisions. • Ritz: Personal values like integrity, respect, and honesty should guide how decisions are made. Regardless of personal preferences, decisions must ultimately serve and be the best for the entire community. An approach grounded in listening, understanding and applying common sense ensures that decisions reflect the needs of all residents. • Boose: The key word is guide. A county commissioner's job is statutorily defined by the State of Ohio. First and foremost, a commissioner must abide by the law. My personal values of integrity and moral responsibility to treat everyone with respect will guide me to consider the needs of individual citizens and groups within Huron County. • Fryman: Personal values inform your judgement, but policy issues must be grounded in law and public interest. Officials must navigate private beliefs and public duties to apply consistent standards to all residents. • Smith: I have been married to Elizabeth (Coy) Smith for 35 years and we have raised three outstanding children, Scott, Sterling, and Sarah, who are all married and successfully employed, contributing to our great nation. I have continued to run the family grain and livestock farm on my own from the age of 25, when my father passed away. I have shown commitment, perseverance, and dedication to my community with 55 years of experience on various Boards. My personal values will affect every decision I make. Hopefully these values and experiences are the reason you will vote for me in the upcoming election. Q: When personal beliefs conflict with the needs or views of constituents, how should that be handled? • Morgan: Commissioners must not let personal beliefs affect any policy decisions. • Ritz: My experience has taught me that listening has become most important. Truly understanding others leads to better decision making. As a public servant, my responsibility would be to listen to concerns, gather information and act in the best interest of the entire county. • Boose: A commissioner's job is to always act for the betterment of the public. • Fryman: I take seriously the duty to represent the constituents and communities of the county. I will act in a way that I best believe will allow life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to take precedence over personal disagreement. • Smith: When personal beliefs conflict with the needs and views of the majority, I remind myself that I am here to represent all of Huron County. Q: What does "serving the public" mean in practical terms as a county commissioner? • Morgan: Apply all decisions fairly and equally. • Ritz: Serving the public means being accessible, listening, gathering information and working collaboratively to solve problems. It also means working alongside our current county commissioners, city, and village councils, township trustees, police and fire departments, schools and other county agencies. In my current role, I demonstrate my willingness to be approachable. I live in the community I represent. I attend most community events and actively support our local businesses and industries. I make it a priority to return calls, be available and offer our services or facilities whenever possible. At the end of the day, "serving the public" means our job is to make life better for our communities and that starts with being present, engaged and willing to serve. • Boose: Serving the public means a commissioner should "do the homework" and research issues before making decisions. It also means keeping up with current and future issues. It means considering all sides of an issue and then doing what is best for the community. • Fryman: Managing tax dollars responsibly, delivering reliable services, and advocating for policies that improve the quality of life for our residents. I will be accessible to our residents and ensure all four corners of the county feel confident they are being heard and considered when decisions are made. • Smith: Serving the public means thinking beyond myself and my elected term for the betterment of our community. This reminds me of the 4-H Pledge: I Pledge my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service, and my Health to better living for my club, my community, my country. Q: What would success look like at the end of your term? • Morgan: Fiscally strong - balanced budget. • Ritz: Success would mean a stronger, more connected Huron County. One that continues to provide great services while addressing challenges. It would also mean I've used my experience, common sense approach and listening ability to bring people together to move our county forward. Success includes improving transparency and strengthening communication and collaboration. Additionally, it would mean making sure residents are informed, involved and respected in the decisions that affect them. I also believe success means improving the promotion of all that our county has to offer. We truly have something special here. You have some of the best communities, the best services and you meet the best people right here in Huron County! I truly believe my experience makes me the best choice for Huron County. My skills in listening, communication and team building and collaboration would be great assets for Huron County. At the end of the day, together we can, and "the way you do some things is the way you do everything." • Boose: I hope to set a standard of open meetings and honest discussions. Constituents from across the county deserve the respect of being able to voice their opinions. I would like to leave Huron County in good financial shape, well-prepared for future challenges. • Fryman: Continued balanced budgets while implementing improvements in county services and communication. The county will have a more unified and cohesive environment for the departments, staff, and communities that make Huron County the best place in Ohio to live, work, and raise a family. • Smith: For my community to say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."