2 in race for commissioner seat

Two local men are running for the Seneca County commissioner seat that will be vacated at the end of the year. Commissioner Mike Kerschner is not running for reelection. Bill Frankart and Adam Smith will appear on the Republican primary ballot May 3. Early voting begins today at the Seneca County Board of Elections office. County commissioners are elected to four-year terms. Kerschner has served as a county commissioner since 2014. There are no Democratic candidates running for county commissioner, meaning whomever is elected will become county commissioner in January 2023. Both candidates were emailed four identical questions. Their answers have been printed as they were received, with minor editing for AP style. Bill Frankart • Why do you feel you're the best candidate for county commissioner in Seneca County? I believe my combination of public and private sector experience best positions me to handle the challenges of a Seneca County commissioner. As a successful business owner and township trustee, I have managed complex budgets and made tough decisions on behalf of myself and residents, resulting in successful outcomes. I understand the impact decisions have on those we serve, and I will focus on providing a voice and transparency to all Seneca County residents. Ultimately, experience matters, and I know that being fiscally responsible with our county tax dollars will lead to economic sustainability and continued growth for our county. • What prior experience do you feel qualifies you for the position? I've been an Adams Township Trustee for 14 years. As a trustee, I focus on maintaining a balanced budget while exploring collaborative partnerships that provide additional funds for our township. Recently, with assistance from the Seneca County Engineer's Office, our township successfully obtained a $60,000 grant from ODOT to cover costs associated with culvert replacement. This grant is an excellent example of the result of seeking resources and collaborating with other governmental entities to benefit the people I represent. As a successful business owner, I understand the importance of reinvesting in our community and being fiscally responsible. Community involvement is essential, and I donate my time to various projects and initiatives. I have served on the Seneca County Regional Planning Board and was a Seneca County Conservation District member. During my time as a trustee, I have had the opportunity to provide testimony at the Ohio House for matters that affected Seneca County. Currently, I serve as a member of the Seneca County EMS and Broadband Steering committees. The combination of my experiences allows me to provide the wisdom needed to assist in leading Seneca County as a commissioner. • If you are elected, what are your goals? The main priority of a Seneca County commissioner is to manage day-to-day finances throughout county departments. If elected, my first goal will be to ensure a balanced budget; and as a fiscal conservative, I will protect your tax dollars from wasteful spending or inefficient projects. My second goal is to assist in increasing quality of our first responders' system, which includes Fire/EMS and law enforcement. This is an area that needs considerable attention from the commissioners' office to ensure adequate first responder services for Seneca County residents. These services mean life and death for the people needing emergency care in our community. Finally, I believe that efficient collaboration with other elected officials and county leaders is a required skill in this position. Through collaboration, we can combine resources that ultimately benefit all of Seneca County while preserving our tax dollars. • Do you have any local or regional endorsements to add? Jeff Wagner, former Seneca County Commissioner and State Representative Kenny Estep, former Seneca County Commissioner Rex Damshroder, Former Ohio State Representative Adam Greenslade, Green Springs Mayor Dave Carrothers, Adams Township trustee Steve Lepard, Tiffin City Councilmember Matt Clouse, Big Spring Fiscal Officer Matt Heiser, Venice Township Trustee Lynn Love, Attica Village Council Justin Smith, Sandusky County Republican Chairman Janelle Ray, The Willows at Tiffin, Bob Gillmor, Craig and Lisa Gillmor, Chad and Sarah Gillmor, Mike (Seneca County Custom Arts) and Mary Lou Bordner (Big Woods Kennels), Jim Wise, Michael Scherger, Clay and Lori Wolph, Jason Deel, JD Auto/Green Springs Energy, Adam and Megan Miller, Brian Ferguson, Tom Rodgers Flowers, Chris Wiese, Dave Moroschan, KG Engines, Chis Aicholz, Ken Crabill and Jim Schreck. Adam Smith • Why do you feel you're the best candidate for county commissioner in Seneca County? I can get along with other people, and bring to the table an unbiased opinion, having the ability to listen to both sides and make the best decision for the county. I'm also a coach, so being a part of a team which has a lot of moving parts allows me to analyze and give my input to assist in the success of our community. • What prior experience do you feel qualifies you for the position? Growing up in family businesses starting from an early age of 15-years-old allowed me to develop a strong work ethic, and as I grew older I learned the fiscal responsibilities necessary in running a local business. Now, as co-owner of Carmie's and Camden Falls for over 20 years, I have a true understanding of what it means to hire, train, meet payroll and, most importantly, be a part of the team — how to support and be supported! •If you are elected, what are your goals? Make no mistake, my platform is skinny but I hang my hat on a few things. One goal is to listen to the voters and feel out the needs of the county and be proactive regarding current challenges and the ongoing progress of existing commissioners. I would also like to continue the understanding ways of the county-wide EMS system as well as the broadband study for county-wide services. Last, I would also like to dive into the regional planning processes to assist in future projects for both the rural community and county-wide. •Do you have any local or regional endorsements to add? —Smith did not respond with any endorsements.