Putnam County primary capsules

The Lima News sent questionnaires to all candidates in contested primaries in the county. Candidates had the opportunity to give biographical information and discuss major issues in their races. Candidates also had an option to submit a photograph. Only names, residences and parties identify candidates who have not yet returned a questionnaire. Commissioner – term beginning Jan. 2 Travis Jerwers Residence: U.S. 224, KalidaParty: RepublicanAge: 33Education: Graduated from Kalida High School in 1993, planning to attend the University of Northwestern Ohio in the fall, majoring in business administrationYears living in area: Lifelong residentMajor issues: Economic development is a simple math problem. By division of our efforts, we will multiply our problems, subtract from our opportunities and add to unemployment. My solution to this problem is to end division, multiply our opportunities, subtract from our negative image and add jobs.With county spending, we must spend wisely and efficiently. Money of the general fund accumulated in good times must be conserved so that it can be used when times turn bad. We must avoid putting the burden on residents with higher taxes. The surest way for revenues to go up is for taxes to come down and stay down.Flood control is a regional problem. To combat it will take regional teamwork. Putnam County must work closely with state and federal agencies. The counties that are affected must also work closely together in hope of coming up with some real planning against flooding. But one thing is for certain: The financial burden cannot be put on the backs of Putnam taxpayers.  Ron LeopoldResidence: Road 11, OttawaParty: RepublicanAge: 57Education: Graduated from Ottawa-Glandorf High School, graduated from Hondros College with realtor’s license, attended Ohio Open Records Course through state auditor’s office and attended Ohio Basic Economic Development CourseYears living in area: 57Major issues: There are two major issues in the county that need to be addressed. The first is flood control. The county must continue to take the lead in finding a solution for the frequent flooding in our county. In years past when flooding occurred in 1913, 1958, and 1981, there was a lot of talk, studies were made, but there was little action. When the studies for last summer’s flood are finished at some time in the future, we must push for action and funding to complete the project. As the old saying goes, “When history is forgotten, it is repeated.” Our farm was completely under water, and our house was flooded. I won’t forget.Another issue that has had way too much negative publicity is economic development or job creation. Since the departure of the CIC as the county’s economic development agent, there has been an explosion of new industries and plant expansions in Putnam County. Apparently competition is good. When you’re the only one in the race for job creation, you can rest on your laurels and run the show. That’s why I think it was wrong for two of the three commissioners to vote to close the county’s office of economic development. As the results show, it was a good investment. It gives me great satisfaction and pride to see the country grow and prosper these past years. Commissioner – term beginning Jan. 3  Vincent T. Schroeder (incumbent)Residence: State Route 613, LeipsicParty: RepublicanAge: 61Campaign Web site: www.vinceshroeder.comEducation: Graduated with bachelor of science and a master of science from The Ohio State University, completed post-graduate work at Wright State University, Ashland University, Canter Andrews University, University of Cincinnati and The Ohio State UniversityYears living in area: 61Major issues: Our county heavily depends on its property taxpayers as well as state and federal monies for its revenue. Since property tax receipts do not grow at the same level as inflation, and state and federal monies are decreasing while mandated services are increasing, the county will be faced with significant challenges over the next several years to contain costs. All the county’s strict financial management abilities will be needed to meet the challenges of the future.Severe loss due to flooding is another issue facing our county. With better land drainage and development of land from forest to blacktop and roof, we have seen the Blanchard River leave its banks too often in recent years. We are continuing to meet and see what is the best direction for the region to mitigate the flooding. The jurisdictions of the whole watershed need to cooperate and work together to determine the most effective direction to follow. So far the commissioners have secured a federal grant of $900,000-plus to clean the fallen trees out of the river, creeks and ditches. This is only a short-term aid, but it is a start and will help to a degree.Another issue is paying off the jail as soon as possible, since this is a priority of mine. In 2006, $700,000 was saved and put into a lock box for future jail payments. With continued strict budgeting and conservative fiscal management, we will be able to pay the jail bond earlier than anticipated. Our county presently has the “A” rating from Standard and Poor’s, and we will continue to be a solid strong county through leadership and solid fiscal management.  Daniel R. Ellerbrock Residence: Birch Drive, KalidaParty: RepublicanAge: 55Education: Graduated from Kalida High School, attended Lima Tech (now known as Rhodes State) Years living in area: Lifelong residentMajor issues: Even though there are many issues facing Putnam County, I believe there are three major problem areas. These include economic development, the budget and our county’s flooding problems.Due to the Sunshine Law, I do not think it is practical to operate the economic development department as an extension of the commissioners’ office. There are people in the county already doing these duties now. I believe we can use taxpayers’ dollars more efficiently than to duplicate services already being performed currently by economic developers in place. There has been too much division in our county in the last four to five years concerning economic development issues. I believe we must start pulling together for the good of Putnam County. My goal is to bring the county together.In the last four to five years, the CIC and port authority lawsuits, as well as the hiring of two economic developers who our county no longer employs, have cost the county hundreds of thousands of dollars. Furthermore, this has created a large strain upon the county’s budget. I will work to spend the county’s money more wisely than it has been spent in the past.Concerning the flooding problems, even though it has no short-term answers, it needs to be put on the front burner for the welfare of our residents. I believe the commissioners’ office can be of great help in the area of grant-writing, as well as lobbying state and federal legislatures for assistance.Joseph D. Recker Residence: Road H-13, Ottawa Party: RepublicanAge: 51Education: Graduated with a bachelor of arts in business administrationYears living in area: 51Major issues: Putnam County has had a lack of financial responsibility. Taxpayers of Putnam County have seen too much waste and internal fighting. It is time to put political and personal differences aside and put the taxpayers’ money back to work. Fixing the jail’s insolvencies is a major issue for Putnam County. This county no longer has excess funds in reserve. All agencies, including the jail, need to run as lean and efficient as possible. I am supportive of any cuts the sheriff feels are necessary to save taxpayer money. As a commissioner, it is not proper to manage other elected officials’ offices, but it is important to lend support, help resolve problems and make sure funds are spent wisely.Putnam Acres needs to stay solvent. Many county nursing homes across the state have closed. I feel it is important to keep our county home open, well managed and profitable.Flooding needs to be addressed for the entire region. Working on two fronts, we should be addressing any improvements we can make independently in our county while, at the same time, pursuing action with regional parties.We have a wonderful county that offers a great place to raise our families. Our communities and villages are full of hard-working, honest people. The goal of this job is to be a steward for those who live here. Let’s give our taxpayers what they are entitled: Local government that is effective, honest and financial responsible. Commissioners come and go. The best ones resolve problems, not create them.