2021 Election: Harrison Township Trustees

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The following candidates are running in the Nov. 2 general election for Harrison Township Trustee (two openings), with terms commencing Jan. 1, 2022.

Brady Creech

Occupation: Career Fire Lieutenant – Miami Valley Fire District, Miamisburg, Ohio.

Past Political Positions Held: No political position previously held.

Education: Graduate Tri-County-North 2003; Graduate Sinclair Community College Associate’s degree in Fire/EMS Administration; Numerous professional certifications in Public Safety and Agriculture.

Community Involvement: Volunteer for Lewisburg Fire/EMS since 2003. Third generation with Lewisburg Fire/EMS started as a Fire cadet in 1998. Previously served on the Village of Lewisburg’s economic development committee. My family is active in 4-H, previously FFA, members of Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, along with other cooperatives, State and National associations. I have represented my Local Fire Union in multiple charity fundraising campaigns including Breast cancer awareness and MDA.

Why are you the most qualified candidate for this position?

I am the most qualified candidate for this position due to my experience in public service and deep knowledge of the community. Being a lifelong resident in Harrison Township, I have watched the community grow and thrive. Having a deep knowledge of alternate funding sources for local entities, and a realistic expectation of community needs and problems. I feel I can be a great asset for the township.

What are the most crucial issues facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?

One of the most crucial issues facing Harrison Township currently is the rapid pace at which industry is coming to the area. Increasing traffic and wear and tear on infrastructure. Working with the Villages and County to continue to make Harrison Township an attractive place for businesses that want to move here, expand, and provide high paying jobs to locals as well as commuters. The focus needs to be on finding ways to fund local road projects and infrastructure, not just putting burden on residents. Deferrals have been given to many businesses for the property taxes. By expanding and continuing Joint Economic Development Districts (JEDDs), the township can collect and share income tax with the villages where they otherwise could not.

Other issues include staffing and labor issues. I believe these issues can be solved by better communication and leadership which I plan to play a major role in.

Communication with residents is also very important. Utilizing technology and media outlets to keep residents informed of current events, projects and other information as to where tax dollars are being utilized. Platforms such as social media and websites are good outlets for real time communication with residents. Having a means of residents reporting complaints or issues via the internet would just put more eyes on the roads and help things get corrected in a more timely manner.

If elected or re-elected, what would be your chief priorities?

If I am elected to the position of Harrison Township Trustee, my chief priorities would be to better utilize current funding and employees while continuing to strive for betterment of the roadways and infrastructure. The residents in the township should be number one in my book, whether it be public safety, maintaining good property values, having safe roadways to drive on, or opportunities for employment. This is only possible if the trustees and fiscal officer are willing to work together with each other and other elected officials in the county.

Any Additional Comments?

First of all would like to thank Mr. Moles, the editor, for preparing this meet the candidate article.

Second of all, I would like to encourage all Americans to get out and vote, come to your local village council meetings, trustee meetings, or county commissioners meetings. It is important for us younger folks to stay informed and stay involved. We are the future. Thank you, and please feel free to reach out to me with any other questions you may have.

Ric G. Prater

Occupation: Retired from Village of Lewisburg after 31 years of service as Tax Administrator doing Municipal Income Tax. Lifetime Farmer.

Past Political Positions Held: Eight years as Village of Lewisburg councilman. 28 years as Harrison Township Trustee.

Education: 1970 Graduate of Twin Valley North HS. 1974 Graduate of Defiance College, BS Business Administration.

Community Involvement: Member of Lewisburg First UCC. Lewisburg Food Bank/ Cabbage Patch. Avid Supporter of 4-H and FFA.

Why are you the most qualified candidate for this position?

Strong fiscal management, strong understanding of funds and grants available to Harrison Twp needs. During my 28 years, all roads have been leveled and paved, maintained good equipment to give our residents good service while maintaining a low amount of debt.

What are the most crucial issues facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?

Fighting 800 plus acres of Solar Panel Farm to protect our Property Values, Ground and Surface Water from contamination of cadmium, silica and glycol. To preserve our Farm Ground and Wildlife Habitat. Keeping Harrison Township fiscally strong.

If elected or re-elected, what would be your chief priorities?

Continue to fight against Solar Farm to ensure our quality of life. Bring to completion our Cemetery Restoration Project.

A Community Reinvestment Act Area was created south of interstate 70 making available tax abatements for future economic growth for Harrison Township. This helped with Royal Canin Development of their 390-million- dollar Dry Dog Food Plant, bringing in approximately 350 jobs to Harrison Township. With Cargill already in place, there is nothing but future growth for this area of Harrison Township.

Any Additional Comments?

Quality of life economically and environmental security is vital to Harrison Township future and I will fight strongly to keep our way of life.

Paul Williams

Occupation: Part-time Class A Driver, semi-retired.

Past Political Positions Held: N/A

Education: 1980 Graduate Dixie High School; 1980 Graduate MVCTC (MCJVS) Machine Trades; Completed GM Journeyman Program 2002 (Toolmaker).

Community Involvement: Having recently become semi-retired, with a very flexible work schedule, I am using this opportunity to become active in my community.

Why are you the most qualified candidate for this position?

I have more free time to assist as needed with Township issues/projects etc. CDL Licensed, heavy equipment experienced, raised on a farm in Perry Township.

What are the most crucial issues facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?

Solar farms should not ruin prime farm ground. This issue will require help from everyone, not just township officials. We will need to solicit help from many avenues (legally – politically) to help follow the wishes of our residents. Also, taking care of our cemeteries, equipment and personnel. Being mindful of how we spend tax payers money.

If elected or re-elected, what would be your chief priorities?

We all share this little piece of ground. We need to put our personal differences aside, work with all local agencies as well as with each other for the betterment of our community.

Any additional comments?

My past and current work experience has helped me learn to deal with people, with a lot of different personalities. In fact, I have the support of my current employer as well as his entire family, whom also live in Harrison Township. By no means am I a push-over and will stand for what is best for the people that help elect me. When making decisions, I do not go at them with haste. Better to think things through and from all angles. A Christian attitude helps! Thank you for your support!

Editor’s Note: The following candidates did not respond to our request for candidate profiles: Gregory Bruns.

Creech
https://www.registerherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2021/10/web1_Brady-Creech.jpgCreech Submitted

Williams
https://www.registerherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2021/10/web1_Paul-Williams.jpgWilliams Submitted

R-H Staff

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