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FRANKLIN SQUARE -- There are three candidates running for two seats on the Salem Township trustee board on Nov. 7 including incumbent trustees Bill Heston and John Wilms. Michael A. Weikart is also running. The trustee term is for four years.
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Bill Heston
Heston said he is seeking re-election and says he's familiar with the township's 42 miles of roads and has worked with the other trustees "over the years to maintain the road and ensure their safety."
Heston also serves as the sexton for the township cemeteries and works with funeral directors and excavators, marking graves and keeping records to make sure the graves are prepared.
"I enjoy interacting with people and feel my experience and dedication is helpful to the residents of Salem Township," he said, noting he has played a role in updating township equipment and was instrumental in adding a repair shop where 90 percent of all township equipment repairs are done in-house.
Heston said he has worked with gas and oil representatives and has overseen six miles of road that has been recently upgraded and had culverts replaced -- totally paid for by those companies.
"I am available any time day or night to serve residents, he said adding he is prompt when following up with calls of concern.
Heston said trustees are currently working on a five-year rotation plan for chip and sealing road, doing eight to nine miles of road a year.
"We have recently added new siding, windows and doors to our pavilion at the township park and are planning to add picnic tables in 2018.
"All our accomplishments have been completed without asking for any additional tax revenues from our residents."
Heston lives on Yates Road with his wife, Judy, and retired as a dairy equipment sales and service dealer after 42 years. He is a member of the Columbiana County Farm Bureau, Leetonia Masonic Lodge, and a life member of the Leetonia American Legion, Washingtonville VFW and Salem AMVETS Post 45.
He has served on the Columbiana County Association Steering Committee. He served as the township representative with the county health department. He served on the Ohio Equine Advisory Board, and as a trustee for the Percheron Horse Association of America Education and Charitable Fund.
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Michael Weikart
Michael Weikart worked in the insurance industry, car sales industry and several years as a plumber and an HVAC professional.
"In 2001 I started my own company out of my Salem Township home. I have successfully owned Custom Comfort Systems, a heating, cooling and plumbing company, since then and continue to grow the business.
"A passion for helping orphans and widows drove me to be a founding member of the non-profit organization 'Christians With A Mission' in 2013."
Weikart is a 1989 graduate of Salem High School and a 1996 graduate of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 396 apprenticeship. He resides in the 2700 block of state Route 45.
He and his wife of 28 years, Renee, have four children, Chelsea Shar, 26, Ashley Barillas, 23, Jonathan, 13 and Jacob, 11; and two grandchildren, Ezra, 2 and Isaac, 3 months.
Weikert is a political newcomer and said the he was appointed as deacon of First Christian Church for several years and was a founding member of Christians With A Mission, a non-profit organization serving orphans and widows in the Salem area and abroad.
For his qualifications, Weikart said, "As a small business owner I have built my business from the ground up, creating hundreds of positive contacts throughout the area.
"I have been a Salem Township resident for over 20 years and built my house in this township. In those years I have educated myself in the oil and gas mineral lease laws, business laws and other aspects of living in this township.
"My work with Christians With A Mission, seeks to help orphans and widows around the world and locally has increased my ability to communicate with others outside of the business world and on a more personal level."
He said he is running for Salem Township trustee, because, "After living in the township for 20 years I feel it is time to represent my neighbors with a fresh perspective and serve the community I live in. Both of my opponents have served in the township for years and a fresh perspective is needed.
"Integrity is an important part of everything I do from my business practices to non-profit work. I will bring that to the table as well.
"I represent a demographic of the Salem Township population not currently represented by either of my incumbent opponents.
"I have positive business relationships with many people in the township and surrounding communities. I will make decisions in an educated and timely manner that is fair to all township residents and contribute new ideas to the leadership of the township. I came to this township as a new home owner, started my business here, raised my family here and will be here for years to come.
"I value protecting the rights of each property owner in the township and care about informing them of everything from normal operations to new opportunities in the township.
"I am a problem solver and want to bring that to the table of public service in Salem Township."
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John Wilms
Trustee John Wilms has held his seat on the trustee board since 1986. The self-employed 1964 Leetonia High School graduate owns Wilms Topsoil in Leetonia.
He is a founding member of the Heritage Day Park Committee. He is married to Cathy Wilms. Their children include Kimberly Schmidt and John Wilms Jr., both of Salem; Misty White of Atwater; stepchildren, Sarah Carroll of Salem and Abbey McCann of North Jackson and nine grandsons.
Wilms has never lost an election and has not been appointed to a public body.
He said his qualifications include being self-employed in the trucking industry.
"I bring a wealth of contacts that benefit the township to receive the highest quality, most economical services and materials," Wilms said.
"I have 30-plus years experience as a trustee -- always working for a solution in the easiest possible manner for each concern."
Asked why he is seeking office, Wilms said, "I enjoy serving as a township trustee -- government closest to the people -- and doing the job completely."
Wilms listed his three biggest accomplishments: "Overeeing the day-to-day township activities; ensuring residents receive the highest standards for quality, quantity, and service for each tax dollar paid.
Number two is "working with the oil/gas industry contacts; advocating a voice for Salem Township residents and satisfaction of Road Use Maintenance Agreements (RUMAs).
Thirdly, Wilms said he constantly reviews the township's financial solvency "to meet township needs today and in planning for the future."
Why should residents vote for him?
"As a current Salem Township trustee, I work for you," he said. "I work hard, responsibly and place your interests first. I am knowledgeable and truly care that residents receive the services needed to live comfortably in this community."
lshields@salemnews.net