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BLENDON TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

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  • Candidate picture

    Tim Adkins
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Andy Lugar
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Cathy Paessun
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Cathy Shinaberry
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    April Zobel
    (NP)

Biographical Information

What do you see as the one or two most significant challenges facing the community you would serve, and how would you propose to address them?

What are your primary priorities for your term in office, and how would you plan to finance these priorities?

Central Ohio continues to experience a large population growth. How do you propose to address needed changes to infrastructure and housing options in your community based on this increase in population?

How do you plan to engage with residents and community stakeholders to ensure their voices are heard and represented in your decision-making?

Describe your approach to building consensus and resolving disagreements among different community stakeholder groups.

Campaign Email tim@timfortrustee.com
Campaign Website http://timfortrustee.com
Campaign Mailing Address 3558 Rangoon Dr
WESTERVILLE, Ohio 43081
Occupation Project Specialist - Process & Performance Improvement
Qualifications for Office I am a ten year resident of the township, involved in the community, and am a member of the Zoning Commission. My career places me in a position of proactively identifying issues and leading collaborative projects to improve business efficiency and customer experience. My knowledge and skills are transferrable to addressing township challenges while strengthening community identity and engagement.
The community of Blendon Township is strong, however, the township needs to be more prepared for the growth in the surrounding cities. Unfortunately, there is a lack of vision for the future and the township is not participating in conversations with critical organizations to make sure that it is also benefiting from this growth. I want to address this issue by establishing a Steering/Strategic Planning Committee with resident participants from various areas of the township to create a Comprehensive Plan for the township, and then work to update the zoning to appropriately reflect the vision. This planning would allow the township to proactively address the challenges of encroaching city borders and prevent property and revenue loss.
My primary priority largely involves reestablishing trust between the local government and constituents - which doesn't have a direct financial burden. I plan on doing this by inviting input, opening dialog, and empowering and involving civic organizations. An additional priority is establishing a Steering/Strategic Planning Committee. The costs associated aren't immediate, but as the ideas become more cohesive, I would consult with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) and Franklin County Economic Development and Planning to create an updated comprehensive plan. After a plan is established financial impact would begin. The JEDZ exists to address some smaller projects, but I grants would be required to help reach loftier goals.
Infrastructure is a large hurdle for development within the township - there are multiple private water/wastewater providers across the footprint and Columbus has established similar services nearby. If private infrastructure for these services cannot be built out the township needs to remain unique and enticing to property owners in these areas to maintain the current status. Additionally, Blendon Township contains one of the most dangerous intersections in the metro-area. Development near this intersection must be fully surveyed and solutions presented prior to project approval, or housing options need to be quite limited in this area. It is immensely important to maintain the charm of established neighborhoods alongside any new housing.
I plan on inviting resident participation in committees, empowering and working alongside civic organizations, and reopening and expanding aspects of public comment that have recently been restricted. In addition, I plan on crediting residents and organizations who dedicate their effort, time, and ideas to better the township. As an elected representative, I believe that my role is to take the voices and ideas, prioritize them, and determine if and how they can be implemented in a fair and responsible way. When decisions are made, I intend on explaining the reason for my decision in a clear and respectful way, as well as identifying the possible impact of making the alternate decision.
I am often responsible for gathering multiple stakeholders to discuss issues and determine where each is able to adjust. Soliciting opinion and engaging in group discussions allows stakeholder groups to explain their thoughts and provide details that I can utilize to bring consensus. My approach is to encourage separate and smaller "wins" of agreement to get the collaboration moving, and then build on those toward resolution. Instances may also exist where there is ultimately no consensus and a "least impact" decision must be made that I will own. The most important aspect in building consensus and resolving disagreement is communicating openly with each stakeholder to make sure that they are aware that their input is both valid and valued.
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Campaign Phone 614-706-6021
Campaign Email drcathypaessun@gmail.com
Campaign Mailing Address 5310 ELMHURST AVE
COLUMBUS, Ohio 43231
Occupation semi-retired business consultant
Education Doctor of Business Administration, Franklin University
Qualifications for Office Over 40 years of experience as an organizational communication professional, specializing in consumer communication, process improvement, and strategic planning; helping businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations navigate complex challenges by building consensus, improving systems, and creating strategies that deliver results.
Uniting Our Township - Our township is diverse and spread across multiple neighborhoods. Every area deserves fair services and representation. I will work for balanced attention, stronger partnerships with surrounding municipalities, and more opportunities for residents to connect as one community. Transparency in Administration - The township has built clarity in process and has accountable leadership. I will continue the push for transparency through public financial dashboards, regular town halls, and citizen oversight in township finances.
My top priorities are transparency, unity, safety, and quality of life. First, we need to ensure continued trust in township administration by making financial dashboards open and accessible. Second, because our township is spread across multiple neighborhoods, I’ll work to make sure every community gets fair services and representation. Beyond that, I’m committed to maintaining the safety and beauty of our township. That includes supporting strong emergency services, well-kept public spaces, and thoughtful policies around natural landscaping that balance environmental benefits with neighborhood standards. Together, these steps will build a township we can all trust, connect with, and take pride in.
Affordable housing is a complex challenge that no township can solve alone, but it’s an issue we can’t ignore. My approach is to work with experts who have proven experience creating real solutions in communities like ours. That means partnering with housing authorities, nonprofit organizations, developers, and regional planning agencies who understand both the financial side and the human impact of housing. I want us to learn from what has worked elsewhere, adapt it to our township’s unique circumstances, and make sure any plan reflects the input of residents. I will commit to listening, learning from experts, and bringing the best ideas to the table so we can develop housing options that are both affordable and sustainable — and that fit
I believe engagement works best when it’s structured, respectful, and meaningful. I’ll use multiple methods to keep residents informed and involved. I post updates on social media, but I don’t see it as the best way to have real conversations. Instead, I want to build on my experience in the Village, where I introduced a resident survey to gather community priorities. I would expand that approach at the Township level, so every resident has a voice in shaping decisions. I also support structured town halls — with clear agendas, time limits, and a focus on one or two topics — so people know what to expect and feel their time is valued. Beyond that, I would host rotating office hours in different neighborhoods, work with neighborhood advisory
Consensus doesn’t happen by accident — it takes clear communication, listening, and a process that helps people move from disagreement to shared solutions. I bring over 40 years of experience as an organization communication professional, with a career that has focused on consumer communication, process improvement, and strategic planning. That background taught me how to listen carefully, identify core issues behind conflict, and create structures that help groups move forward. I’ll bring that same approach: listening to residents and partners, using data and facts to guide decisions, and creating clear processes so people feel heard. My goal is always to move from division toward workable, fair solutions that benefit the whole community.
Campaign Email cshinaberry@yahoo.com
Occupation Blendon Township Trustee; Adjunct Faculty at Mount Vernon Nazarene University; Realtor; Retired Educator
Education Master’s Degree from Bowling Green State University; Bachelor’s Degree from Otterbein University
Qualifications for Office Current Blendon Township Trustee. Blendon Twp resident 43 years. Community oriented. Honest & principled. 30+ yrs experience & leadership as educator & collaborative team; curriculum and school building committees; church council. Managed budgets & volunteers. Rehabbed local neglected/eyesore home after owner’s passing, improving neighborhood appearance/values. I CARE ABOUT BLENDON TOWNSHIP!
One of Blendon's most pressing challenges is securing sustainable funding to maintain and improve essential services for the whole township, including those areas not in subdivisions. As a current trustee, I’ve seen how budget constraints can affect services, especially when it comes to public safety. If the police levy on this ballot does not pass, our outstanding police department will face difficult cuts that could impact response times. Funding is also critical for maintaining our parks, repairing roads and curbs, replacing aging infrastructure, and revitalizing both residential and business areas. I’m committed to responsible financial planning and supporting measures that keep our township strong.
My top priorities are communication, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. I believe residents deserve timely, accessible information about township events, projects, and contacts, which is why mailing calendars and newsletters to every household remains a budget priority. The township also utilizes an optional monthly email and official social media page for up-to-the-minute notifications. I also support thoughtful planning and careful management of development, with an emphasis on leveraging grants in addition to township funds. A current example is the planned improvement of the 161/Executive Parkway corridor, which will be financed through the Blendon–Westerville Joint Economic Development Zone, approved by residents in 2012.
Blendon Township has a small and finite amount of undeveloped land, so we are not as directly impacted by Central Ohio’s rapid growth as some of our neighboring communities. However, we recognize the importance of planning for the future. Our focus remains on maintaining and improving our roads, enhancing residential neighborhoods, and supporting thriving business areas. At the same time, we continue to monitor regional growth trends and collaborate with nearby communities to ensure our infrastructure and housing options remain strong, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of our residents.
As a re-elected trustee, I will continue to encourage residents to contact me or the appropriate township department with questions, suggestions, concerns, and comments. In addition, we hold informational meetings to invite feedback and ensure resident’s voices help shape decisions on important issues.
My approach begins with listening and encouraging open, respectful, constructive dialogue. By focusing on common ground, shared priorities and maintaining transparent communication, I work to build trust and guide stakeholders toward practical solutions that serve the best interests of Blendon Township as a whole.
Campaign Email armzobel@gmail.com
Occupation Business Owner
Education AAS Business Finance, BS Applied Organizational Management
Qualifications for Office Business owner since 2003. Member of the Blendon Township Parks Advisory Committee and the HRAA Executive Board. Policy Volunteer for Humane World for Animals.
One of the greatest challenges facing Blendon Township is balancing the need for strong public safety with the rising costs of providing essential services. Maintaining a well-trained, community-rooted police force is critical, but it requires careful budgeting. That’s why I believe long-term financial planning is essential. Rather than making short-term decisions year by year, we need a clear roadmap that ensures stability, maximizes every dollar, and protects families from sudden tax burdens. By planning ahead, pursuing grants, and engaging residents in the process, we can keep Blendon safe today while building financial security for tomorrow.
My primary priorities for Blendon Township are Public Safety, Financial Stability, Transparency and Community Engagement.

To finance these priorities, I would focus first on responsible budgeting and evaluating every expense to ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely. Second, I would aggressively pursue grants and outside funding to offset local costs. Third, I would encourage responsible growth and economic development that expands our tax base without changing the character of our neighborhoods. Finally, I believe in building reserve funds and multi-year financial projections so we can protect families from sudden tax increases while keeping services strong.
My approach is to emphasize responsible, planned growth. That means working with developers who respect our community’s character while ensuring new projects contribute to infrastructure improvements rather than straining existing systems. It also means diversifying housing options so young families, seniors, and long-term residents all have choices that fit their needs.

The key is balance; welcoming growth that strengthens our tax base and supports local businesses, while protecting the small-town feel and quality of life that make Blendon Township unique.
I believe the best decisions for Blendon Township come from listening directly to the people who live here. That’s why I plan to create a Neighborhood Advisory Committee with representatives from each of our unique neighborhoods. This committee would provide regular input on township priorities, ensuring that every area has a voice at the table.

I also plan to bring back the open Q&A portion of township meetings, giving residents the chance to ask questions, raise concerns, and speak directly to their elected officials in a public, transparent setting.

By combining neighborhood-level representation with open dialogue at township meetings, we can make sure resident voices aren’t just heard but truly shape the direction of our community.
I will make sure to understand each stakeholder’s perspective, including residents, business owners, and neighborhood groups, so everyone feels their voice is heard. I would use tools like the Neighborhood Advisory Committee to bring diverse viewpoints together early in the decision-making process, before conflicts escalate.

By presenting clear information, options, and trade-offs, we can move discussions from opinion-based disagreements to solutions everyone can understand and evaluate.

When disagreements arise, I focus on finding common ground and identifying shared priorities like safety, financial stability, and community quality of life, and using those as a foundation to build compromises that satisfy multiple interests.