County Commissioner Commencing 1-2-2025 Choose 1
County commissioners make up the general administrative body for county government. They hold authority for government taxing, budgeting, appropriating, and purchasing; and they hold title to county property.
Biographical Information
Education/Training/Experience
35 years service as a Deputy Sheriff with the Marion County Sheriff's Office. Also worked in and later owned a small business, Sway's Trophy House, in downtown Marion for 40 years. This gives me knowledge of county government, managing people and how to manage a budget.
Campaign Mailing Address
2683 Curren Dr
Marion, OH 43302
Marion, OH 43302
What do you think are the two most important challenges facing Marion County and what actions will you take to address them?
First is infrastructure. Roads, sewers and affordable housing should be a focus. This is how we attract business and industry to locate here. In my vision 2040, I state that a seven year old today will be 23 years old by 2040, out of school and will need a good job to want to remain in Marion and raise their children. Next is to have a much better working relationship with the city of Marion. For too long Marion County and Marion City have been viewed as separate. I think the new city administration and a new county administration can create this collaboration and we can better all our lives.
How do you approach budget decisions, and what strategies would you use to ensure responsible financial management for the county? Can you provide examples of your experience in fiscal responsibility and decision-making?
Every operation wants and costs money. The government has many responsibilities to see these responsibilities are prioritized and met.
My experiences in running a small business has given knowledge on making those decisions.
Biographical Information
Education/Training/Experience
Graduated from Marion Harding High School. Attended The Ohio State University. Honorably Discharged during the Vietnam era from The United States Army. 31 years as Purchasing Manager for GTE. 7 + years as County Commissioner.
Campaign Mailing Address
1065 Chaumont Drive
Marion, OH 43302
Marion, OH 43302
What do you think are the two most important challenges facing Marion County and what actions will you take to address them?
Economic Development is key to our success as a community. With the coming of Intel and the expansion of Honda EV, Marion County is at a crossroads in new economic development. With my years of service on the CANDO Board I believe I can provide the necessary leadership to propel Marion County into the future. GROWTH IS COMING AND PREPARED COMMUNITIES WIN!
Breaking the cycle of drugs in Marion County. I voted for litigation against opioid manufacturers and distributors peddling their poison across our country. I work closley with local ADAMH & law enforcement to provide necessay services.
How do you approach budget decisions, and what strategies would you use to ensure responsible financial management for the county? Can you provide examples of your experience in fiscal responsibility and decision-making?
I work closely with Elected Officials and Department Heads to monitor expenses and be the best steward of tax payer dollars that I can be. During my years in the private sector, I served as purchasing manager and supply manager. Not only does this experience provide me with vast knowledge on the importance of managing a budget, it also serves me on a daily basis in my capacity as commissioner as one of the main duties we are tasked with by the geeral assembly is to oversee the maintenance and daily operations of all county property.
Biographical Information
Education/Training/Experience
Marion City Councilman 13 years
Campaign Mailing Address
359 Rosewood Dr
Marion, Oh 43302
Marion, Oh 43302
What do you think are the two most important challenges facing Marion County and what actions will you take to address them?
Marion County is facing the same question we are asking our national leaders, what age is too old? This is a difficult question because we need to treat these individuals with the dignity and respect they deserve. Marion County is at the threshold of great things! We will not realize our full potential; if the mindset of our leaders is “that’s the way we always do it” or the candidate is just looking for a retirement gig to occupy their newfound free time. Marion deserves a leader that is energetic, full of enthusiasm and is willing to do the work and not just do what has always been done.
How do you approach budget decisions, and what strategies would you use to ensure responsible financial management for the county? Can you provide examples of your experience in fiscal responsibility and decision-making?
I have served on Marion City council for 13 years, several of those years as Chairman of the Finance Committee. The last 4 years the city has seen disastrous mistakes caused by two different City Auditors. Working with other council members, bringing in the right agencies to help, and not ignoring the problem, the City is now on the right path to financial stability and fixing issues in the auditor’s office. Through those difficult years every expense was scrutinized. That meant that some appropriations were not passed. I will always fight to protect every tax dollar.