ASHLAND — Ashland County voters filled the seats of the Ashland High School Little Theater on Monday evening ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
The Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce organized a debate between Ashland County commissioner candidates Sandy Bally (D) and Brandon Carpenter (R).
Jeffrey Sikkenga, executive director of the Ashbrook Center and professor of political science at Ashland University, moderated Monday’s debate.
Each candidate had three minutes to offer an opening statement. After that, Sikkenga asked a series of questions and each candidate had three minutes to respond.
The first to answer alternated between Bally and Carpenter. After the second candidate’s three-minute response, the first to answer was granted one additional minute to offer a response or rebuttal.
Sikkenga asked audience members to hold any applause or interjections during the duration of the questions and responses.
Questions hit on several hot topics
Bally and Carpenter were both asked questions that hit on several local topics of interest, including the county dog shelter, Flock cameras, data centers and roundabouts, among several others.
Below is a list of the questions Sikkenga asked both candidates. Audio answers from Bally and Carpenter can be found below each corresponding question.
What are your priorities if you are elected as a county commissioner?
Candidates’ responses:
In the last 20 years, Ashland County’s population has remained stable at about 52,000 people. At the same time, our population has gotten a bit older. We now have a median age of 41, while Ohio’s median age is 37. Some people believe that the county needs to attract more and younger residents, but other people believe that we should keep our population the same in order to preserve our rural and small town way of life. What’s your view? Should the county try to maintain our population or increase it, especially by adding younger residents?
Candidates’ responses:
Some people support data centers as important for economic development, while other people think they should be banned. This summer, Montgomery Township trustees approved a two-year moratorium on the construction of data centers. Would you, as a commissioner, support a resolution forcing a moratorium or ban on data centers in Ashland County? Why or why not?
Candidates’ responses:
In your view, what is the biggest public safety challenge facing Ashland County? Is it drugs, property crimes, human trafficking or something else?
Candidates’ responses:
In the past few years, several judges have warned (commissioners) about serious challenges to the court system because of a shortage of defense attorneys and a lack of adequate funding. What, if anything, should (commissioners) be doing to address the challenges faced by our county court system?
Candidates’ responses:
Nationwide and here in Ashland County, there have been public protests and even vandalism against Flock cameras. Do you support the deployment and use of Flock cameras by the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office?
Candidates’ responses:
The Ashland County Health Department is back in the spotlight thanks to the recent discovery of the county’s first case of measles. In your opinion, what is the biggest health challenge facing the county and how can (commissioners) help?
Candidates’ responses:
In the past few years, the Ashland County Dog Shelter has had some significant controversy. Do there need to be additional changes at the dog shelter or are you satisfied with the situation now?
Candidates’ responses:
Maintaining the county’s infrastructure is an important part of (commissioners’) job. What is the biggest challenge facing Ashland County’s infrastructure and how can (commissioners) deal with it?
Candidates’ responses:
Recently (commissioners) voted to approve a study to put in a traffic circle (roundabout) at the intersection of Main Street and Baney Road, with a possible start date of 2028. Do you support going forward with the study and, more broadly, installing traffic circles in the county?
Candidates’ responses:
Was it the right decision for (commissioners) to construct a new county administrative building rather than, for example, buy the old Rite Aid or not expand at all?
Candidates’ responses:
Looking ahead, what do you see as challenges in the future for the county’s finances and how should (commissioners) deal with that?
Candidates’ responses:
What area of economic development should (commissioners) focus on? Manufacturing? Service industries? Agriculture? Tourism? Or something else?
Candidates’ responses:
What, if anything, needs to change about the (Ashland County Board of Commissioners) and the way it functions?
Candidates’ responses:
What’s the best thing about Ashland County and what one thing most needs improvement?
Candidates’ responses:
