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NEW SPRINGFIELD - Springfield Township residents will be deciding between two candidates for fiscal officer on the Nov. 7 -- Brian Myers and Grant Williams.
Grant Williams
Grant Williams is the finance and operations manager at St. Paul the Apostle Church in New Middletown in which he oversees all matters involving the finances, buildings and grounds. On the finance side, he has handled all accounting, budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting, and payroll activities at the church. He previously helped run the day-to-day operations at Square One Construction, working up to the role after initially starting as an installer and laborer.
Williams holds a Bachelor's of Association from Youngstown State University and Master in Business of Administration from Franciscan University of Steubenville. His community activities include life-long membership of the St. Paul the Apostle Church, Knights of Columbus and secretary of the Mahoning County Young Republicans.
Williams noted he previously lost the 2020 election for Mahoning County commissioner, but currently serves on the Mahoning County Republican Party Central Committee for Precinct 13 in Springfield Township.
Williams said his extensive experience in accounting, budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting, payroll, and management in business and non-profit environments, as well as 20-plus hours training in governmental accounting makes him qualified for the office.
He said he is seeking office because he is "deeply committed to the well-being of our township and its residents. My decision to run for this office is driven by two fundamental priorities that I believe are crucial for our community - prudent financial management and transparency.
"Prudent Financial Management: One of my top priorities is to ensure that our township's finances are managed with the utmost responsibility and care. It's essential to develop a budget that not only addresses the needs of our community but does so in a fiscally responsible manner. I am dedicated to this task, and I will diligently work to identify opportunities for streamlining expenses, eliminating waste, and optimizing resources. My aim is to ensure that every taxpayer dollar is used effectively, benefiting our residents and the overall financial health of the township.
"Transparency: Transparency is equally vital in the role I am seeking. I firmly believe that open and honest communication with our residents is key to building trust and fostering a sense of unity within our township. To achieve this, I will work tirelessly to provide clear and accessible financial information to the public. This commitment involves regularly publishing financial reports and making sure that everyone in our community can easily access and understand the financial matters of our township. I pledge to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability throughout my tenure, ensuring that our residents are well-informed and confident in the decisions made for our community."
Williams said voters should vote for him because of his experience.
"My extensive experience equips me with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead our community's fiscal office. Over the years, I have held various leadership roles, each of which has contributed to my ability to make informed decisions and navigate complex issues. Whether it's managing budgets, finding ways to spend funds more efficiently, or addressing community needs, my background has prepared me to handle the challenges of this office with confidence and competence. My track record of responsible management and a commitment to fiscal responsibility demonstrates that I have the practical experience needed to ensure our township finances are used effectively."
He also noted his "genuine" commitment to the community.
"What sets me apart is my authentic connection to our community. I have a deep and sincere understanding of the concerns, hopes, and aspirations of our residents because I am a part of this community. I'm not just a candidate; I'm a neighbor, friend, and advocate who has personally experienced the joys and challenges of living here. This genuine connection drives my passion for making a positive impact in the lives of our residents. I am committed to addressing the issues that matter most to our community with empathy and a sincere desire to see our township thrive. My connection to our community ensures that I will always have the best interests of our residents at heart, and I will work tirelessly to make our community a better place for all."
Williams noted in summary that his experience and authentic commitment to the community makes him the ideal candidate for the office.
"I have the practical skills and knowledge to lead effectively, and my deep and genuine understanding of our community ensures that I will always prioritize the well-being and prosperity of our residents," he said. "If elected, I am confident that I can lead our township towards a brighter financial future."
Williams is the son of Faron and Kathy Williams. He and his wife live on Woodworth Road, New Springfield, with a toddler daughter.
The paper did not receive a response to pre-election questionnaire from Brian Myers.