Cardington voters heard from 10 candidates for local office and received information about both state and local issues at Candidates Night Tuesday.
The five school board candidates have impressive background qualifications. They include attorney, Tod Brininger; teacher, Marilyn Davis; State Highway Patrolman, Charles ‘Chuck’ Jones; health professional, Denise Radcliffe and Troy Ruehrmund who is Operations Manager at Marion Industrial Center.
The five school board candidates are vying for three board positions that are open this year so voters listened carefully as candidates gave their hopes for the school district. Brininger was the only absent candidate, but he had a very good reason since his daughter was playing her last volleyball game for the Pirates that evening. Quinn Maceyko read Brininger’s resume that includes his award as an “Ohio Super Lawyer, Rising Star” with law practices in both Mount Gilead and Columbus. He has been a Cardington resident since 2003 and his three children attend Cardington Schools.
Marilyn Davis is a Cardington High School and OSU graduate who has taught 37 years in the Cardington District. She is seeking a second term on the school board. Her goal is to seek excellence for the district and make sure instructional programs are there to help all students excel. A second goal is to make sure the district spends tax dollars wisely.
Charles ‘Chuck’ Jones is currently School Board President in his second term and is seeking a third term. He notes that there has been an increase in district scores during his terms and the district was named in “Schools of Promise by the State School board. He believes it is important to “choose people over walls and buildings” when deciding on priorities. He has been an officer with the Ohio State Highway Patrol for 22 years.
Denise Radcliffe is also a Cardington graduate and received a degree in radiology and master’s degree in business. Her children attend Cardington schools and she was instrumental in starting the soccer program for the district. She “believes in accountability” for the board and believes it is important to “hold the school district personnel accountable for making the most of taxpayer dollars and for meeting performance goals and expectations.”
Cardington High graduate, Troy Ruehrmund comes from a background in business. He is a graduate of the U. of Akron and is active in many community activities such as youth baseball, the United Way of Marion and the United Methodist Church. He believes it is important to look at the entire system and school issues and find those that need to be rehabilitated or renovated and make changes as they are needed.
Two of the four Council Candidates were present. Tim Abraham has been in the construction business for 25 years as well as working as a Sheriff’s Deputy and officer in Mount Gilead. He believes the village is headed in a positive and good direction and would like to return to the council to continue working toward improvement.
Floyd Morris worked on the Fire Department for 45 years and is a member of the American Legion. He says his “purpose in running is to see Cardington grow.” He would like to see the car wash open as well as other businesses downtown. He recalled the days when there were three groceries, a jeweler and other retail business and would like to see that return.
Council candidates not present were Steve Burton and Richard Garner. Three candidates who were running unopposed spoke. They include: Cardington Township Trustee, Doug Heacock; Township Fiscal officer, Darla Hardwick and Mayor, Susan Peyton.
Mayor, Susan Peyton spoke about the three local levies that are up for renewal. She emphasized that there will be no new taxes with them. The taxes up for renewal are: Cardington Township Fire, Cardington Village Current Expenses, and Cardington Village Fire.
Morrow County Hospital Fiscal Officer, Jonathan Kelly spoke on behalf of the Hospital Levy Renewal of 2.5 Mills for 5 years. He noted that it is essential to have for keeping great local care for many services such as: Orthopedics, Heart and Vascular care, Emergency Services, Laboratory Services, Physical Therapy, Radiology and Urgent Care to name just a few.
Morrow County Commissioner, Tom Whiston gave a brief explanation of the three state issues on the ballot. He encouraged voters to vote for Issue 1 that will change the way state districts are determined. He noted that it has bi-partisan support.
Whiston encouraged voters to vote yes on Issue 2 and no on Issue 3. He acknowledged that it is confusing, but explained that Issue 2 basically will keep Issue 3 from going into effect if it would pass. Issue 2 is and “Anti-monopoly” amendment that protects the ballot initiative from being used for personal economic gain.
Whiston emphasized that Issue 3 will bring the state many problems if it passes. It will create an “Oligarchy with millions of dollars to be made.” He said that as a pharmacist his profession sees “no medical necessity with marijuana.” He has never seen it used for medical purpose and the medical component in it can be obtained legitimately if needed. He also said that Colorado has seen an increase in traffic accidents related to marijuana use and youth school suspensions have also increased.
“The social costs (for the legalization of marijuana) are too great,” concluded Whiston.
Several candidates thanked Moderator and Candidates Night organizer Mills Poorman. Jackie Winchell kept her eye on the time with a bell to limit candidates to three minutes.
Poorman said he was pleased to see eight of his former students who were running as candidates.
