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GREENFORD - Green Township residents will be deciding on a new trustee on the November election.
Trustee Dave Slagle will be sliding over to the fiscal officer seat as a write-in with no challenger, while current fiscal officer Randy Chismar is running for trustee against local wildlife officer Tom Frank.
Randy Chismar
Randy Chismar has been the township's fiscal officer since 2006. He is also the director of finance at Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) since 2022, previously serving as a governmental auditor with Charles Harris & Associates, Cleveland office, and fiscal officer for the Village of Leetonia from 2011 to 2022.
Chismar holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from Youngstown State University. He is a 1993 graduate of South Range High School.
Originally appointed as fiscal officer in 2006, Chismar said his qualifications for office include experience as an auditor focusing on governmental subdivisions.
"I've seen townships run well and townships run poorly, and I am dedicated to ensuring Green Township is included with the former," he said. "I have in-depth experience with the Ohio Revised Code, specifically pertaining to townships and what the board of trustees is and is not allowed to do. My auditing and fiscal officer experience has given me the sense of fiscal responsibility in leading the township as an open, honest and efficient government body to serve the people of Green Township."
Chismar said he is seeking the trustee seat because he believes Green Township is a special place.
"I was born in Green Township and still, every time I drive over the edge of Less hill on [state Route] 165, I think how lucky I am," Chismar said. "And while the land is wonderful, it's the people of the township that I serve, those who were my cub scout and boy scout leaders, my 4-H advisors, the people who coached me in the many sports I played growing up, all the people of the churches of Green Township who served the community for all these years and, of course, my family. All the friends I have made in my 48 years here, some have passed on, but I still feel I owe them to dedicate myself to keeping Green Township the place I was lucky enough to grow up in."
Even though he is not a trustee incumbent, Chismar has been the township's fiscal officer for the past since 2006. He noted that although he was not a trustee, he has served a beneficial role in several accomplishments in the township during his tenure.
"A main accomplishment is simply given the men and women who work for the township the resources to serve the public," he said. "We have a positive relationship with Goshen Police Department for the protection of the township and with the passage of the recent police levy, that should continue for years to come.
"I was integral in establishing an equipment fund so the hardworking members of our Fire/EMS department can continue being one of the best departments in the area by doing their best to answer calls and to return safe and sound to their homes and families. We strive to make sure the road department has the proper equipment to keep the roads safe in any season and recently, with the .25% county sales tax and cooperation from the county engineer, have been able improve the roads in the township with more to improve in the next few years.
"I have worked so the people of Green Township can be proud of our park, cemetery, town square and all the other areas of the township."
In response to why voters should consider him, Chismar said "I have the knowledge, dedication, work ethic and sense of responsibility to continue to give the people of Green Township the best service I can provide and to ensure the taxpayers are getting the absolute most out of every penny of the township's tax dollars."
Chismar is the current treasurer of the Greenford Ruritans, of which he has been a member for over 20 years. He is also a member of Locust Grove Baptist Church where his currently serves on the deaconate board.
Chismar and his wife, Laura, live on Washingtonville Road. They have two daughters, Kaitlin and Emalia.
Tom Frank
Tom Frank has served in the armed forces reserve for over 28 years and been employed by the state of Ohio for over 25.
Frank graduated from Loudenville High School, The Ohio State University with Bachelor of Arts and Franklin University with a Masters in Business Administration. He is currently involved in Greenford Christian Church and 4-H.
Although never elected or appointed to a public office, Frank said he is qualified for the trustee position because he has been involved in a variety of conflict resolutions.
"A huge component of any public service involves conflict resolution. Being able to listen to or explain a situation is critical to reaching shared understanding. Having been involved with some aspect of law enforcement for over 25 years has placed me in many difficult situations in which it is important to communicate a clear message, and to be fair and consistent," he said.
Frank said he is seeking office as a continuation of his service to his country, now looking to serve his local community.
"I believe in doing things the right way, in family, and am proud to be a member of this community," Frank said "I believe in the freedoms we often take for granted, and will strive to involve more community members in their right to vote and exercise their civic duty. It is not lost on me the importance of keeping taxes down without eliminating critical services that so many rely on in the township."
Frank has been married to Colette Frank for 23 years with three children, Jennavieve, Julia and Landon. They live on Youngstown Salem Road.