Five seeking two Dover Twp. seats

Dover Township is filing two seat from among five candidates.

John Arps

Arps works for city of Wauseon and also as a farmer and this is his first time seeking elected office

"Joe Borton passed away and we had an opening and with the people I know and my past experience with management, I think I can do a good job for the people of this township," he said of his reason for running.

He thinks zoning is the biggest issue facing the township.

"I know the county and other people want us zoned out here and the people that live here don't want zoning. That is probably the biggest thing right now"

He would listen to the residents when making decisions if elected.

"The main thing is just talk to the people. They are who you represent. On issues, the majority rules and if that is what they want then it's up to us to help them out. Other than that, it's basic road repairs and drainage problems, things like that."

Kenneth Clark

Clark has served as a township trustee for the past 20 years and is seeking his sixth term. He is a full-time farmer and is the sixth generation to farm his Dover Township land.

"I guess I just want to continue to serve the township in same manner i have for 20 years. The township is financially sound and without asking taxpayers for any new money in 20 years. Our fire levy is up for renewal and I'd encourage residents to continue to support this. We contract with the City of Wauseon and this levy will ensure we can continue with this very important service.

As for issues, he sees things running well.

"Right now, I guess we're running pretty smooth. I feel these areas been well cared for in my past time as trustee. Being a full-time farmer, I'm available to respond to resident's problems or attend meetings. It makes me more available to attend to that kind of stuff.

"Over the past 20 years, we would not spend money we don't have unlike many other government entities. We try to pave two or three miles of road each year, but only if we can afford it. That's one of the bigger things - keeping ahead of things financially with rising costs."

Clark is married to Cindy, his wife of 32 years and he has two daughter and three grandchildren.

Steve Gustwiller

Gustwiller has been the owner of Steve's Carryout for 27 years and is seeking his first political seat.

"This was something I really had to think about. I was influenced by some people who thought because I was a lifelong resident of township they thought I'd be a good choice. That's where it started at."

He sees the township in good shape and wants to continue that situation,

"In our township I don't see there are any major issues at this time, other than overseeing the township's funds and maintaining roads and drainage. I don't know of any big problems we have at this time."

He would use his business experience if elected.

"I would try to use the experience I gained in running my own business to manage the funds of the township, pay bills and see what needs maintained in roads or drainage. I would see if (a project) is a necessity or can be put off depending on what funds are available at the time- prioritize things. If any resident would bring an issue to my attention, I would address those as best I could."

Gustwiller is married to his wife Lisa of 27 years. He has three children, two grown and one middle school student.

Shane Tanner

Tanner is the owner of Tanner Interiors. He ran for trustee once 10 years ago and is again seeking office.

"For me it's mainly about the opportunity to serve the people of Dover Township. I've lived here the majority of my life and would take great pride in being elected as a new trustee."

He sees the main issue as maintaining services with shrinking budgets and revenues.

"I would have to say as far as main issues right at the moment - and I have been at meetings - honestly, I don't think there are many big issues right now. I do know that from going to meetings and finding out a lot of things, financially the township is sitting very well right now. As a trustee I would maintain a fiscally-conservative approach to managing the township's money.

"I would take a common sense approach and listen to both sides of an issue before coming to a decision in an effort to try to come to a conclusion that would be beneficial to all parties involved."

Todd Bingham is also seeking one of the trustee positions. He was unavaiable for comment.