Few left unchallenged in primaries

FINDLAY — In this year's primary election for Findlay City Council, only four nominations will go unchallenged. Unopposed in the Republican primary are Councilman Dan DeArment, R-4, and David Murphy, who is seeking the party's nomination for council president. There will be no primary for the Hancock County Democratic Party, but there are two candidates. Shaun Mason is making another bid to represent 3rd Ward and is unopposed. He will challenge the Republican nominee in the general election. Jenny Fall is the only Democrat seeking an at-large seat on council, and will challenge the Republican Party's nominees for one of three seats in the fall. Dan DeArment DeArment is serving his first term on council. In 2023, DeArment won the Republican nomination for 4th Ward in a three-way, write-in race in the May primary election. He then defeated two independent candidates in the general election to win the seat, including Randy Otermat. Otermat is running as a Republican candidate in a highly contested primary for the city's at-large seats this election cycle. DeArment, 64, retired from a 38-year career in civil and environmental engineering, construction, equipment fabrication and business management. This is his first public office, but if he's successful in being reelected, he will become a "senior" member of council. Eight of the 11 members of Findlay City Council, including Council President John Harrington, are not seeking reelection. "Change is always challenging but welcome. I will miss the advice and continuity of the current members, but fresh faces come with new ideas and energy. All are welcome," DeArment said. Independent candidates can still enter the general election. The filing deadline for independent candidates is 4 p.m. May 5, at the elections board, 201 E Lincoln St. Signature requirements vary, based on position, and factor in the number of votes in the last election for Ohio governor. Jody O'Brien, an elections board director, said independent candidates are advised to request the correct signature count and rules for their petitions from the elections board. Early voting started Tuesday. "I've enjoyed serving my community as a city councilor and feel like I accomplished a lot in my first year. For example, I was very active the first couple months restructuring Council rules and have received positive feedback on the changes from fellow councilors and the general public," DeArment said. DeArment serves on council's Planning and Zoning and Water and Sewer committees. "Planning and Zoning has been very active in developing a zoning overlay for the retail cannabis shops. Fifty-two percent of the Findlay voters approved recreational marijuana, so we identified four commercial districts where a maximum of two stores could potentially be located," he said. The Water and Sewer Committee has developed procedures for changing user rates and is working to develop a master plan for the city's water system with the help of a professional consultant, DeArment said. "This master plan will identify capital improvement priorities of our 94-year-old water plant," said DeArment. "Additionally, this will be an exciting year to finally start the final three flood mitigation projects: Norfolk Southern railroad bridge replacement, Phase 2 excavation of the north riverbank and the Eagle Creek Dry Basin. In short, I want to continue being actively engaged in some projects that are important to the future of Findlay." David Murphy Murphy, 67, is a retiree of Marathon Petroleum. He was appointed to the Hancock County Regional Planning Commission in 2024. Murphy said he decided to run after learning Harrington was not seeking reelection. This is his first try for a public office. Shaun Mason Mason, 45, was also unopposed in the 2023 Democratic primary election for 3rd Ward when he attempted to defeat then two-term Republican Beth Warnecke. Warnecke won the election and is currently serving her third term on city council. She is not seeking reelection. Vying for the Republican nomination for 3rd Ward are Patricia Klein and Carol S. Smith. Mason said he became interested in local politics after his family moved to Findlay in 2017, seeking a better education for their children. He is a software engineer at Praos Health Inc., Independence. "Over time, I reached the same conclusion that many in Findlay have: that regardless of public input, established leadership often did as they pleased. It became clear that a small group of insiders were handpicking candidates aligned with their interests, providing them with the resources to win while putting up roadblocks for others," said Mason. "That realization was my tipping point. I'm running for office because I believe Findlay deserves a city council that listens to the people, not just a select few." Jenny Fall Fall, 50, is the director of a trucking association. This is her first bid for public office. Vying for the Republican party's nomination are Antonia Faisant, Heather Kensinger, L. Reed Needles, Bradley Wagner and Otermat. Voters will pick three. "I have been interested in public service for many years, serving in non-profit roles both nationally and within our community. I believe that my experience at that level and understanding the commitment and motivation it takes to be involved in a public serving role would enable me to provide fair, consistent and transparent leadership as a member of Findlay City Council," said Fall. "As one of only two democratic candidates running, I recognize the importance of bringing a new perspective and new voice to represent others in the community." Susan Hite The city treasurer's office is the only city office up for election this year. Incumbent Susan Jo Hite is unchallenged in her bid for the Republican nomination. Hite, 77, has served as city treasurer since May 2011.