3 candidates vie for 2 Lake Township trustee seats

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

There are two seats available. Incumbent Mike S. Bender seeks re-election. Newcomers Jeff Spreng and Brian Young also seek votes.

Each seat’s term runs for four years and pays around $700 per month.

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

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

Spreng did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Ashland Source published publicly available information.

Why are you seeking this particular office?

I care about the wellbeing of Lake Township. I live here. It’s mainly an agricultural community. I participated in zoning back in the 90s and we kept it agriculture zoned. I also grew up here, my family came here in 1825-27. Those are my roots. The township is a nice place to live. I care about the people in the community, always have, always will.

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

Keep the township looking good and clean. Keep it safe.

We’ll continue to apply for grants to get money. We got one a few years ago for roads. Money usually goes to bigger townships; we’re one of the smallest budgeted townships in the county. We don’t make a lot of money.

We’ll keep on the fire contracts and negotiate them.

I keep getting a good price on salt for the roads.

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

My age and experience with township governance. I also represent the township at county and state meetings when C can. I just hope whoever gets in there is gonna care about it as much as I do.

Other thoughts you would like to share

I would like to keep the township safe, represent the people and try to keep up with the times. We live in a small community. I have some projects I’d like to continue to do. I haven’t started with them yet, but we gotta keep up on the equipment. 

Some projects: tree removal of downed trees, ditch work and take care of the cemeteries in the township.

Why are you seeking this particular office?

I was asked if I would be interested by trustees. I am running for Lake Township trustee because I care deeply for my community and believe in the importance of strong, transparent and responsible local leadership. I am committed to open communication, accountability and serving.

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

Trimming trees back so they are not hitting the trucks. Getting some of the high-crowned centers out of the roads so things won’t drag on roads. 

I would go out and  meet with the person to see where the problem is and talk with owners of trees to get it trimmed up with a pole saw to keep everybody happy. 

The crowned road problem needs to be filled in the lower parts of the road and build up lower parts. 

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

Our township deserves a trustee who is approachable, dependable and dedicated to the best interests of all residents in Lake Township. If elected, I will work hard to preserve the strengths of our community while preparing for future needs.

Together, we can keep our township a safe, welcoming and well-managed place to live.

Other thoughts you would like to share

I would appreciate your vote on Nov. 4. Together we can make a difference.