City Council candidates talk Tiffin

TIFFIN --- Tiffin City Council candidates will be on the November 2023 ballot in a non-partisan race. The election will see all four wards of Tiffin and the at-large positions on the ballot. Out of the five races, the fourth ward is the only one that will have a competition. The A-T reached out to each, city council candidate for a short Q&A. This is part one with city council candidates. Candidates each finished the following three sentences: I decided to run for Tiffin City Council because: If I'm elected, my top three priorities will be: The best thing about living in Tiffin is: Each candidate has also provided their own bio. Aaron Jones (Ward 1): I am Aaron Jones and I am running for Tiffin City Council for the 1st Ward. I was born in Tiffin and grew up outside of Green Springs and graduated from Clyde Senior High School in 1991. After graduation, I enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served four years. I moved to Tiffin in 2006 when I met my wife Tracy where we raised our mixed family of five wonderful boys and now have four grandchildren. I am a member of Grace Community Church and am currently employed at Grammer (formerly Toledo Molding & Die) as a supervisor where I have been for 20 years. I decided to run for Tiffin City Council because I care about the city and want to serve the citizens of the 1st Ward and Tiffin. If elected my top priorities will be to continue to focus on updating and improving our infrastructure. Continue to work on economic growth and development and be accessible to the citizens of the 1st Ward and all of Tiffin. The best thing about living in Tiffin is it's a nice town to raise a family with quiet neighborhoods and nice people throughout the city. Scott Horernemann (Ward 2): Scott is a Music Teacher at Calvert Catholic Schools and is the Music Coordinator at Faith United Methodist Church. He serves on The Civil Service Commission for the City of Tiffin. In the past, he has volunteered at the Seneca County Museum. He has also been an officer in community organizations and is engaged in the community by providing music for local events. Scott has a background in running small businesses and working with large corporations. He currently holds a Property and Casualty Insurance License and has experience in Sales and Marketing. Scott spent his early childhood in Tiffin before moving. He returned for college and later in 2015 moved his family "home." He was impressed with the positive changes and forward momentum within the city and felt it was a great place to raise a family. I believe that Tiffin is currently in a "transition time." Starting January 2024 we will have a new mayor and multiple new faces on City Council. It is imperative that we have leaders and decision-makers that have unique perspectives, the ability to communicate, and listen. My first introduction to local government was concerning traffic signals. Throughout that process, I realized that advocating on behalf of residents in a professional manner can make a change. Support the Police & Fire Departments, Support Infrastructure Maintenance and Improvements and Economic Development/ Community Outreach. We are truly a "community" in Tiffin! We come together to celebrate, but also lift each other up and support one another. Whether it is local fundraisers, community events, or life challenges; It is inspiring to see our community support one another. Tiffin is very blessed to have so many residents willing to give their time and talents to make us a stronger community! Kevin Roessner (Ward 3): I grew up just outside Tiffin and attended St. Joseph Elementary and Hopewell-Loudon High School and work as an IT Project and Security Engineer in Tiffin. I bring 20 years of leadership experience from both small and large organizations, including the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts in Washington, D.C. I helped conduct the 2020 Census locally, regularly help as a precinct election official, served on condominium boards and frequently volunteer for the Ritz Players and CERT. In 2022, I was appointed unanimously to represent Ward 3. My goal is to maintain and grow Tiffin's success through fairness and fiscal responsibility. I decided to run for Tiffin City Council because I wanted to give back to our community and make a positive difference in local issues that affect all our daily lives all while being an advocate for my constituents. If elected, my top three priorities will be public safety and improvement, economic growth and development, and infrastructure and community services that promote community well-being. The best thing about living in Tiffin is our strong sense of community, abundant with opportunity. Moreover, we also enjoy a low cost of living compared to larger cities. Finally, with our abundant natural areas and well-maintained parks, we all can enjoy hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities, which can be a great way to stay active and connect with nature. This city belongs to all of us. Everyone is called to elevate our great city to the next level for future generations. We are here for one another! Troy TJ McKee (Ward 4): Troy TJ McKee moved to the area to be closer to his family. After experiencing the vitality of the community and its people, he wanted to contribute to its growth and development. Though, TJ is highly qualified for the office he is running for he is not from a political background. TJ has served in executive positions in various industries, most notably the CEO/Chairperson of a small equity firm. A believer in servant leadership, TJ wants to use his experience to make sure local government has a positive impact on the quality of life for all residents. In his free time, he loves to spend time performing theater and vocals, and spending time with his family and the two corgis, Keoke and Maui. When I think of Tiffin, I think of a thriving and close-knit community full of people who love their town. My experience in finance, leadership, problem-solving, and community service make me an ideal candidate for Tiffin City Council. I will be a strong and determined advocate, willing to listen to every member of our community and strive to keep this town strong and successful. I will work tirelessly to ensure that all of Tiffin's citizens have a voice and are heard through my decision-making and representation. I am running for Tiffin City Council because I believe I can make a positive difference by bringing a commonsense approach. With my "common sense approach to a Livable Community for All" thought process, I will work to ensure that Tiffin is a place where all residents feel welcome and safe, and their quality of life is not impeded upon. To achieve this goal my priorities are to advocate for increasing access to housing, fiscally sustainable city government, and connecting the community. Fiscally Sustainable Government is paramount to the well-being of our town. It's critical to keep the City's budget balanced and to keep taxes low for residents. To that end, I will strive to identify efficient spending and resources, streamline processes and identify alternate sources of funding. Finally, it is essential that we look toward an improved & equitable quality of life for all of our citizens. To make this happen, I will work hard to prioritize diversity, invest in community projects, foster local economic growth and ensure our public safety policies protect everyone in the city. Overall, living in Tiffin is a great experience! With its tight-knit community and unique small-town atmosphere, there is an incredible amount of camaraderie between the citizens, creating an environment where everyone looks out for one another. There's a warmth here that is palpable and comforting. Whether you're shopping around the weekly farmer's market or exploring the Glass Museum, there's something here for everyone. The schools, parks, and recreational activities give everyone the opportunity to explore and be active. It's a place that encourages growth and learning and has plenty to offer anyone. I'm always thankful to call Tiffin, OH my home. Dennis Snay (Ward 4): Snay did not provide a response by deadline. Editor's note: This story has been edited for space. Look for part two of the Tiffin City Council question and answer Monday.