ELECTION GUIDE 2019
A supplement to
T H U R S D AY, O C TO B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 9
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ELECTION GUIDE
THE TRIBUNE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2019
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2019
VOTING HOURS
• Thursday, Oct. 31, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. • Friday, Nov. 1, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. • Saturday, Nov. 2, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. • Sunday, Nov. 3, 1–5 p.m. • Monday, Nov. 4, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. • Tuesday, Nov. 5, polls open at 6:30 a.m., close at 7:30 p.m.
EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING HOURS
• Nov. 2: Deadline to request absentee ballot (noon) • Nov. 4: Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by this date. • Nov. 5: General election: Polls are open from 6:30 a.m.–7 p.m. • Nov. 5: Voters are able to drop off absentee ballots at the Lawrence County Board of Elections until 7:30 p.m.
Editor’s Note: All candidates for competitive mayoral and council races were sent a questionnaire. These were the ones that were returned. Candidates were given a limit on words. Some answers have been cut to the specifications. Edits are denoted with (…)
Michael D. Ferguson
• Office sought: Chesapeake mayor • Age: 58 • Professional background: Police officer for 29 years (present position), volunteer firefighter for 20 years (19771997) • Occupation: Police officer in Proctorville • Political experience: None • What will your top priority be if elected to office?: Reinforce police department, more accountability from the mayor’s office • What makes you the best candidate for the job?: Lived in Chesapeake almost entire life, worked with court system for 29 years • What professional accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?: Saving lives and property, educating youth about crime and fire safety • Other comments: Get community more involved to make Chesapeake safe and more productive place. Bring more revenue to Chesapeake. Get more police officers (24-hour coverage) so our residents will feel safe
Kimberly Oldaker
• Office sought: Chesapeake mayor • Age: 48 • Professional background: Assistant child care director, educational assistant in the public school system, currently office manager • Occupation: Office manager • Political experience: None • Civic involvement: Volunteered with Buddy Basketball (10 years) and Youth Football (10 years), president of the American Business Women Association (Two years), helped orchestrate a Community Fun Night in the Chesapeake Park • What will your top priority be if elected to office?: Serving my community • What makes you the best candidate for the job?: I care about the people and the community. I want our community to be more involved within the village. • What professional accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?: The ability to communicate with everyone. • What issues would be your top priority: The children’s health and safety. • What would you do to increase bipartisanship and cooperation in our government?: Always have an open mind to communicate with everyone.
Paul Hart
• Office sought: Chesapeake village council
Tribune candidate forums available on television, internet By Heath Harrison Before going to vote, Lawrence County residents have one more opportunity to learn more about where the candidates stand. In mid-October, The Ironton Tribune hosted three candidate forums, inviting those running for council and mayoral races. Forum I was devoted to the eastern end of the county, with Chesapeake, Proctorville and Athalia candidates invited. Forum II focused on South Point races, while Forum III featured candidates running in Ironton and Coal Grove. These forums were recorded by Armstrong Cable and have been air-
ing these past weeks on the company’s Neighborhood Channel. In addition, they are featured online on
Armstrong’s YouTube channel and links to these can be found on The Ironton Tribune’s Facebook page. We thank all candidates
• Age: 76 • Professional background: CHS 1960, USAF 1962-66, SWOC 1963-66, marketing-business – ACC 1968 • Occupation: Property manager, developer • Political experience: Central committeman, village council, mayor pro tempore • Civic involvement: Member of Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, Chesapeake Lions president, VFW, village clean up, Chesapeake Octoberfest, Ironton Tribune readers board • What will be your top priority if elected to office: Bringing accountability and transparency to council • What makes you the best candidate for the job?: I’m a person who investigates and follows through on a problem until it is resolved • What professional accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?: 48 years of successful business, bringing jobs to our area, Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year, council • What issues would be your top priority if elected?: Police pay, budget accountability, helping to get a community effort behind our village • What would you do to increase bipartisanship and cooperation in our government?: We can always learn if we listen. Other villages are facing similar problems. The fire and department cooperate, why not village council?
resources to eliminate drug activity in the village. • What makes you the best candidate for the job? My years of leadership, service and maturity are unmatched in this election. I am confident my unique perspective enables me to enact a positive difference and would be honored to have your support. • What professional accomplishments are you most proud of in your life? Proud that our fire department has developed into an aggressive and effective firefighting organization, nearly doubling in active volunteers. Very proud to be the director of the Lawrence County Hazardous Materials and Special Operations Team. • What issues would be your top priority if elected?: Policies that support sound economic and fiscal conditions, which are vital for building and protecting our future. Coal Grove has too much heart to be limited to small ideas. • What would you do to increase bipartisanship and cooperation in our government?: The greater good comes from building on everyone’s individual strengths; using open communication while taking a 360 look at existing and emerging issues, not just as words on paper. • Other comments: I am committed to the people of Coal Grove. To restoring a village that operates effectively, productively and promoting opportunity and growth for your family, my family and future generations.
Gary Sherman
Andy Holmes
• Office Sought: Mayor of the Village of Coal Grove • Age: 55 • Professional background: 32 years as a maintenance supervisor; managing a work crew, budgets and deadlines; volunteer firefighter for 38 years, 18 years as chief; directing, organizing and coordinating fire and emergency response. • Occupation: 32 years as an industrial maintenance supervisor for L&BF, Inc. at the AmSty Hanging Rock Plant • Political Experience: As the fire chief, I work alongside Coal Grove’s appointed and elected officials; advise and inform the mayor, council and other officials of fire and rescue related needs and activities. • Civic Involvement: Coal Grove Betterment Club, advisor for Coal Grove Fire Department Auxiliary • What will your top priority be if elected to office? Ensure that updates and repairs to our aging infrastructure (water system) are adequate and dependable, and utilize all necessary
• Office sought: Mayor of Coal Grove • Age: 40 • Professional background: Industrial sales of pipe valves and fittings • Occupation: Sales management • Political experience: Served on council since March 2017 • Civic involvement: Little League coach, council member, Coal Grove Betterment Club member • What will your top priority be if elected to office?: Focus on delivering higher quality water • What makes you the best candidate for the job?: My ability to network and put the correct people in the correct positions. • What profession accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?: Obtaining the $4 million grant to replace the water distribution system in Coal Grove. • What would you do to increase bipartisanship and cooperation in our government?: Include every member of council in discussion to progress the village in a proper fashion.
who attended and took the time to lay out their vision to voters and we encourage all going to the polls to view these forums.
• Other comments: Coal Grove has been plagued by nepotism and special interest. Too often, decisions are made on how they affect family or friends. I will end this by making decisions that benefit the whole community (…).
Robin Heaberlin
• Office Sought: Coal Grove Village Council • Age: 54 • Professional background: I have worked in the legal field, (law office and municipal court) for over 20 years. • Occupation: Deputy clerk at Ironton Municipal Court • Political Experience: This is my first experience running for an elected position. • Civic Involvement: I have been an active member of Mamre Baptist Church for 32 years. I work in the children’s ministry and enjoy being involved in other ministry opportunities. • What will your top priority be if elected to office?: First and foremost is the water issue. It absolutely has to be dealt with. I believe with grant money and hard work we can develop a plan to make the necessary improvements. Secondly, the drug epidemic. (…) • What makes you the best candidate for the job?: My goal is to work with the mayor and other council members. I will not sit on council just to be a vote. I will vote for or against what I believe is best for the residents and the village. (…) • Other comments: (…) There are many issues that must be dealt with by mayor and council - issues that need to be addressed without personal agenda and with one purpose, to make Coal Grove the best it can be. (…)
Sam Cramblit II
• Office sought: City of Ironton mayor • Age: 28 • Professional background: Political consultant/strategist • Occupation: Programs specialist at Star Community Justice Center • Political Experience: Campaign director and community organizer serving over 15 elected officials • What will your top priority be if elected to office: Taking control of our economic future by focusing on making the city more marketable. • What makes you the best candidate for the job?: The passion I have for my city, the enthusiasm to do whatever it takes to better Ironton. I am here to do the right thing, I am not entrenched with those who’ve been holding us back, nor will I ever be. • What professional accomplishments
ELECTION GUIDE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2019
THE TRIBUNE
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Voters decide on several levies in election
Ironton voters to decide on alcohol option By Heath Harrison Voters will be asked to decide on several ballot levies in the general election on Nov. 5. The most talked about of these is the Lawrence County Developmental Disabilities levy. The 2.5 mill levy, which is an additional levy, would be for a term of 10 years. It would cost a family with a $100,000 home it would be $87.50 a year. Those supporting the levy point out that Lawrence County DD ranks near the bottom statewide for the amount of funding it receives from local tax funding and
that the agency has not been on the ballot for a levy for 13 years. They say the cost of services has increased and, as a result, they have taken steps to reduce costs by consolidating buildings, reducing positions and maximizing revenue. LCDD recently sold property in Coal Grove to the county, which will be used for a 911 center, in order to pay for the renovation and relocation of Open Door School to its new building, which opened last month in Coal Grove. They said this will keep the cost from coming from their general fund and that
are you most proud of in your life?: Each day, I am proud to go to work and watch the work we do to change others’ lives for the better. I am also proud to have worked on many community initiatives that brought positive change all around the country. • What issues would be your top priority if elected?: Streamlining the budget, economic development and government accountability. • What would you do to increase bipartisanship and cooperation in our government?: I would embrace a culture amongst city officials that involves better communication. That way, we are always on the same page and working together in Ironton’s best interest.
Katrina Keith
• Office Sought: City of Ironton mayor • Age: 49 • Professional Background: JoAnn Davidson Leadership Institute, 20192020; Appalachian Leadership Academy, 2013; Ohio Economic Development Association, 2019; 2003 – 2013, executive assistant, Ironton Port Authority; 2002 - 2003, patient care assistant/outreach programs administrator, Hospice of Huntington (…) • Occupation: Current mayor • Political Experience: 2015-present, mayor, City of Ironton; 2008 - 2015, benefit specialist, City of Ironton; 20032008, administrative assistant, City of Ironton • Civic Involvement: Ironton aLive, co-chair; Lawrence County Safety Council, member; Lawrence County Port Authority; Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission; KYOVA Interstate Planning Commission; Ironton Beautification; Church of the King – Women’s Ministries; Land of Goshen – board member; Lawrence County Land Bank; Ro-Na Restoration Committee • What will your top priority be if elected to office?: It is imperative the City of Ironton move forward with the development an economic development plan. The assessment process is already underway. Ironton has not had a comprehensive paving plan since about the 1980s (...) • What makes you the best candidate for the job?: Experience. I have worked in local government for 16 years. I have challenged the status quo of the city’s daily operations without regard to how it will affect me politically. (…) • What professional accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?: My election! It represented a change in Ironton. (…) during my term , we have experienced over 15 new businesses, the start of a second hotel, instituted a slum and blight program and new computer software to help bring Ironton into the 21st century. (…) • What would you do to increase bipartisanship and cooperation in our government?: Since the City of Ironton is a nonpartisan form of government, we do not experience those type issues. I will say the division between city and county government officials have been removed. (…) • Other comments: Ironton has experienced a lot of loss over the past 40 years. (…) It will take elected officials, civic clubs, local economic development groups, business owners and the residents alike to move Ironton into a more progressive community.
staying in their old location in Ironton would have exceeded the cost of renovations. Tim Nunnery, director of communications and resource development for LCDD, said the agency would face a significant funding shortfall without the levy. He points to services offered to provide transportation for those with disabilities, for purposes such as work and appointments. “We’re responsible for 40 percent of the cost,” he said. He said there is a waiting list for these services and that the levy funding would help pay for them.
Chris Haney
• Office Sought: Ironton city council • Age: 36 • Professional background: Nine years as science and intervention teacher • Occupation: Intervention specialist/ science teacher at Lawrence Educational Service Center • Political experience: None • Civic involvement: Member of Ironton National Little League board of directors • What will your top priority be if elected to office?: Keep city administration and city council from increasing fees or taxes • What makes you the best candidate for the job?: I am not a business owner or career politician. I am running for council to make Ironton a better place for my children and citizens of our town. • What professional accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?: Completing course work, while teaching full time to earn my additional certification as an intervention specialist. • What will your top priority be if elected to office?: I will be aggressively looking into increasing revenue and decreasing wasteful spending without creating new fees or taxes and keeping current services. • What would you do to increase bipartisanship and cooperation in government?: City council is a nonpartisan position, but I would like to see more constructive cooperation between city administration and council and citizens. • Other comments: I’ve attended many previous council meetings and have shared my thoughts of bringing Ironton back to prosperity.
Jim Tordiff
• Office Sought: Ironton City Council • Age: 65 • Professional background: City of Ironton – director of finance, Ironton – mayor, Rock Hill Local School District – treasurer, Lawrence County Medical Center – human resource director, Dawson-Bryant Local School District – treasurer, Ironton – city councilman • Occupation: Accountant • Political Experience: City of Ironton - mayor 1990-1995, Ironton city councilman three or four terms • Civic involvement: Former BPOE Elks Club treasurer, former Cub Scout troop leader, former Ironton Little League and Ironton Senior League coach • What will your top priority be if elected to office?: To continue to provide citizens and other council members with accurate, insightful and meaningful financial information regarding Ironton’s finances. Also, to continue to lobby LEDC to search out and help establish a viable industry for the (…) former Ironton Inn location • What makes you the best candidate for the job?: 1. Municipal experience, 2. Financial experience, 3. Career history of good financial audits with all current and former employments, 4. History of honesty and transparency with all employments
Jacob Hock
•Office sought: Ironton City Council • Age: 27 • Professional background: Ohio University graduate (Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Communication), worked for Lawrence County Auditor and
In Chesapeake, voters will decide on renewing a fire levy. The 1.5 mill would commence in 2019 and would be first due in the calendar year of 2020. The fire department, which is shared with Union Township, has faced several expenses in recent years, such as replacing the roof on the fire station and crew members have sought funds to obtain new equipment and to replace outdated gear. In Upper Township, a fire levy is also up for renewal, at 2 mills. It would commence in 2019 and be first due in 2020. Lawrence Township has a fire renewal levy on the ballot as well, at 1 mill for five years, commencing in 2020
Lawrence County Board of Elections. • Occupation: Treatment Specialist at STAR Community Justice Center - a community based correctional facility that offers a therapeutic alternative to prison - facilitate classes, address behaviors, provide structure and guidance. • Political experience: Volunteered for various campaigns since the age of 16, worked as a field organizer in Houston, Texas for a successful bid in a state representative race. • Civic involvement: Volunteered at various Lions Club events, donated to Giving Back to Veterans Day event and St. Joseph’s Turkey Dinner - a proud supporter of the Developmental Disabilities Levy. • What will your top priority be if elected to office?: Economic development, aggressive pursuit of grant funding opportunities and sensible management of city funds, expanding our tax base, fostering entrepreneurship and making Ironton attractive to outside entities. • What makes you the best candidate for the job?: Fresh perspective, a willingness to listen to and be a voice for the people of Ironton - firm advocate for the city of Ironton and keeping its interests alive.
Richard H. Dunfee
• Office sought: Proctorville mayor • Age: 69 • Professional background: Work as village administrator for 15 years and mayor for eight years, to present. • Occupation: Retired • Political experience: Served as mayor for eight years • Civic involvement: Different organizations, CAO • What will your top priority be if elected to office?: Continue to better the village • What makes you the best candidate for the job?: Experience • What would you do to increase bipartisanship and cooperation in government?: Work with both parties for best of county and village
Michael Lynd
• Office sought: South Point Village Council • Age: 59 • Professional background: Was employed at the Village of South Point as Class III Wastewater and Class I Water Operator. Equipment operator. Retired. • Occupation: Bus driver for South Point School District. • Political experience: Currently on South Point Village Council. • Civic involvement: Helping others when I can. • What will be your top priority if elected to office?: To keep moving the Village forward. Keep current semiannual clean up and monthly brush pickup. Keep rates as low as possible. Work to find ways to upgrade our infrastructure. • What makes you the best candidate for the job?: My work experience with the Village of South Point in all departments. I know the inner workings of the village. • What professional accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?: Being EPA certified Class III Wastewater and Class I Water to run the water and wastewater; Retiring with over 30 years
and first being due in 2021. In Ironton, a 1.75 percent levy on income will go before voters. It is intended to provide revenue for the city’s general needs and expenditures. Voters in Athalia have two levies before them. The first, a renewal of a fire levy, is for five years at 1 mill. It would commence in 2020 and first be due in 2021. The second is a renewal of tax for current expenses, at 2 mills for five years. It would commence in 2020 and be first due in 2021. There is also one option for alcohol sales before voters this fall. End Zone Pizzeria in Ironton is seeking permission to sell wine and mixed beverages on Sunday between 10 a.m. and midnight.
of service with the Village of South Point. • What would you do to increase bipartisanship and cooperation in our government?: I don’t see this as an issue on the local level, but I would say to the state and federal governments that they need to work together to build our country up, not work against each other to tear it down. • Other comments: I enjoyed serving on the council and I hope the residents of South Point will vote to re-elect me to another term on the South Point Village Council. Thank you.
Chuck Austin
• Office Sought: South Point Village Council • Age: 60 • Professional background: I have spent nearly 40 years working in the pipeline construction industry (…) I have held every position from laborer to president of a 300 person company. I have a strong background in engineering, budgeting, estimating, project management, business development and business management. • Occupation: Currently working within the pipeline construction industry as a pipeline construction consultant. • Political Experience: I am currently pursuing my second term for South Point Village Council. • Civic Involvement: Continue to financially support youth activities throughout our area, advisory board member, Ohio University, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering Department, Actively involved in church and with church outreach programs that benefit our local community. • What will your top priority be if elected to office? I continue to support all initiatives pertaining to the safety and security of our community while helping to create a village where people are wanting to move into and are excited about its progress. • What makes you the best candidate for the job? I have spent my entire career working on building companies and restoring organizations so that they can reach their maximum potential. I have an extensive understanding of engineering, project development, project management, finance and business administration. • What professional accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?: I spent 15 years of my career building an organization that started out with 25 employees into an industry-leading organization that employed nearly 300 people. • What issues would be your top priority if elected?: Finding economical ways to fund much needed infrastructure improvements throughout our area. • What would you do to increase bipartisanship and cooperation in our government?: I have over the last four years as a councilman and will continue to do so if re-elected promote a political environment of unity and continuity throughout all of our village administration. • Other comments: I have lived in South Point for nearly 60 years. If re-elected, I’ll continue to work hard to see that our village strives to become a model community within the Tri-State area. Thank you for this opportunity to serve!