3 candidates vie for 2 Montgomery Township trustee seats

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP — Voters in Montgomery Township will have choices for who represents them on the board of trustees come Nov. 4. 

There are two seats available. Incumbents Hugh Troth and Stephen Uhler are seeking new terms. Newcomer John Keim is also seeking votes.

Each seat’s term runs for four years and pays $1,118.65 per month, with an additional monthly health-care payment of $458.34.

Early voting began Oct. 7. Read below for more information on each candidate.

Below is how candidates answered the following questions posed to them via email. Their answers have been organized alphabetically by last name and edited lightly for clarity.

Why are you seeking this particular office?

I believe Montgomery Township has something truly special to offer to everyone. My goal as trustee is to properly maintain the township while preparing for the next generation of homeowners, my generation. 

What are the top 3 issues you will address if elected? How would you address them?

Financial Transparency: I believe every government entity, especially at the local level, has a responsibility to be financially transparent. Every taxpayer in Montgomery Township deserves to know where their tax dollars are being spent. If elected, from day one, I will advocate for the public release of all future meeting minutes and agendas. Every resident should have access to township records and a clear understanding of the decisions being made by their trustees.

Annexation: Annexation is a major concern for Montgomery Township. Over the past three months, I’ve spoken with many residents who share their worries about the rapid decline of townships surrounding Ashland. Let me be clear: I support responsible growth and believe it’s a government’s duty to help its community prosper. However, when it comes to townships, trustees have a duty to listen to their constituents and prevent annexation whenever possible.

Zoning: Montgomery Township is the second-most heavily regulated township in the county. With nearly 60 pages of zoning regulations, it’s time to review each rule to ensure it aligns with the township’s goals and the needs of our residents. I believe in striking a balance between maintaining order and allowing flexibility for our community to grow responsibly.

List the top 3 things that differentiate you from your opponents.

Age: It’s no secret that I’m the youngest candidate in this race — and the youngest candidate running for any office in the county. I believe that’s an advantage for Montgomery Township. My energy, ideas, and ambition will help set our community on a positive path forward. My fresh perspective will contribute to both growth and preservation, ensuring Montgomery Township remains a great place to live for future generations.

Community focused: Over the past several months, I’ve had meaningful conversations with residents about their concerns and have worked to help them however I can. Since launching my campaign, I’ve also made it a point to drive through the township nearly every Sunday afternoon—identifying potential issues and brainstorming practical solutions. I believe being a trustee means staying connected and responsive to the people you serve.

Ambition: I deeply care about Montgomery Township and want to see it thrive—now and for future generations. I plan to remain accessible and available to residents for any concerns or ideas they may have. My dedication to service will always come first.

Other thoughts you would like to share

I am incredibly thankful for the residents of Montgomery Township and for all the support I’ve received throughout this campaign. Montgomery is truly an exceptional place to live, and I look forward to maintaining its strengths while working to make it even better.

Why are you seeking this particular office?

I’m running again because I enjoy serving the township I live in.  I was taught as a child to improve the space you occupy and there is always room for improvement.

What are the top 3 issues you will address if elected? How would you address them?

1. To maintain and improve road safety. 

2. To maintain and improve communication with our team and the constituents that I represent. 

3.Continue to find ways to keep costs down.

The best way I have found to do all three is to listen to the voters and others who possess more wisdom than myself. To educate myself on how and why to make the best decision that would be best for the township. 

List the top 3 things that differentiate you from your opponents

Experience and age. Each of us grow up in totally individual and unique ways. 

Like everyone, I made many mistakes in my youth that hopefully I learned from.

I have been blessed with opportunities that gave me experience with machinery and methods, some that are long gone and others that have been improved over the years. I have met literally thousands of people over my almost seventy years, which taught me that it’s far better to listen than to speak. You learn more.

Other thoughts you would like to share

All of our meetings are transparent and open to the public and I wish more of our constituents would attend. Some people call me directly, others just call and leave a message. The majority of those messages are praise for the work done by the road crew.

The ones that do attend are asked to join in to ask questions or to make their ideas known. Debate is a good thing and we welcome it. As a trustee, your decisions are to make the roads safe, to keep the equipment updated and safe to operate as well as to be fiscally responsible.

We also appoint people to positions that affect everyone living in the township. These people have tough decisions to make, like our zoning board. They are a totally independent group and make all changes and updates to the zoning within the township. The zoning meetings are also open to the public and are very transparent. (Trustees do not make zoning decisions.)

Why are you seeking this particular office?

I feel in the last eight years I have worked to improve the township but know there is more work to be done. So I want to continue improving.

What are the top 3 issues you will address if elected? How would you address them?

1. Improve roadways: We work hard to make sure our workers have the right equipment to do the work.

2. Continue to keep the township in good financial shape.  I look at every decision we make and think of how I would like to have tax dollars spent.

3. Keeping as much ground in the township as possible.  I know that annexation is going to happen. But we have to work with the City of Ashland to ensure that, when it does, the township gets fair compensation.

List the top 3 things that differentiate you from your opponents.

1. I have made many contacts and work with the officials of all the offices we deal with. 

2.  I am a lifelong business owner in the area. I have owned and operated one division of the two businesses my parents started in 1972.  

3.  I have an extensive knowledge of road construction and water management. 

Other thoughts you would like to share

I look at being a trustee not as a job but as a servant of the township. I am a lifelong resident of the township. I have raised my children here and built a home here. I look at everything we do as to how it will affect my land and my family, as well as my neighbor.