Ziegler launches independent commissioner bid

TIFFIN — Eden Township Trustee David Ziegler has announced an independent campaign for Seneca County Commissioner, telling The Advertiser-Tribune he believes party politics has no place in local government. Ziegler, a lifelong county resident serving his third term as trustee, works at Schilling Propane as a delivery driver, service technician and sales associate. He was raised on a farm in Bloom Township, graduated from Mohawk High School in 1987 and lives in Eden Township with his wife, Judy. He will face Republican incumbent Bill Frankart in the Nov. 3 general election. Seneca County Board of Elections Director Lori Elchert confirmed Frankart and Ziegler are the certified candidates in the race. No Democrat filed for the seat, according to the county's official canvass of the May 5 primary, leaving Ziegler as the only opponent Frankart will face in November. Frankart advanced by 56 votes, defeating Jim Distel 3,064 to 3,008 in a Republican primary that drew 6,072 votes. Board of elections records show Ziegler filed his nominating petition May 4 at 3:59 p.m., one minute before the filing deadline for independent candidates and one day before the primary. Under the Ohio secretary of state's election calendar, county boards had until July 15 to certify independent candidates for the ballot. Ziegler announced his campaign publicly July 27. Asked why he chose an independent bid over the Republican primary, Ziegler pointed to his own affiliation in written responses to questions from The A-T. "Because I am an Independent," he said. "I have always supported what I considered to be the best person for the position, no matter what party they represented. I also believe that party politics and the division it creates does not belong in the local government." Ziegler said voters want the same things from county government regardless of party. "Whether you're Republican, Democrat, Independent, or don't follow politics at all, we all want good roads, safe communities, strong emergency services, and a government that works," Ziegler said. "My job isn't to represent a political party. It's to represent the people of Seneca County." He said nine years as a trustee convinced him local government can make a practical difference, and that he wants to apply that experience countywide. Ziegler identified property taxes, the landfill and large animal barns as issues he is aware need to be addressed, but said he did not want to claim ready-made solutions. He said he would begin by meeting with department heads, first responders, local officials, business owners and residents, and would continue doing so throughout a term. "I'm not going to pretend I have all the answers on day one," Ziegler said. "Before you can fix a problem, you have to listen and understand it." Asked where he sees waste in the current county budget, a point raised in his announcement, Ziegler declined to identify specific spending. "Every government could use more resources, so I won't point fingers or say someone is doing things wrong," he said. "I think it's about making sure every tax dollar is being spent wisely and where it does the best. When you invest in good people, give them the tools they need, and plan ahead, you usually save money in the long run." On transparency, Ziegler described accessibility rather than policy changes. "It starts with being available. Answer the phone. Return calls. Meet with people when they are concerned," Ziegler said. "Being an elected official is about a lot more than showing up for ribbon cuttings and parades. Those are the fun parts of the job. The real work is being out in the community, helping solve problems, and making sure people know they're being heard." Ziegler's announcement cited his sponsorship of resolutions opposing large-scale wind projects in Eden Township and elsewhere in the county. He said that record reflects a process he would carry into the commissioner's office rather than a fixed position. "The wind issue wasn't about my personal opinion. It was about listening to my constituents and standing up for what they wanted," Ziegler said. "As Commissioner, I'll approach every issue the same way." His announcement also credited him with helping improve fire protection in Eden Township, upgrading road signs, replacing aging equipment and securing grant funding for a community park. Ziegler did not name any endorsements when asked, saying he is grateful for the encouragement he has received and that his focus is on earning support directly from voters. Asked how he would build support as an independent in a county where no Democrat filed for commissioner, auditor or probate judge this year, Ziegler said voters are less interested in affiliation than results. "Party labels don't fix roads, improve emergency services, or balance budgets," he said. "People care about results." The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3.