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SMITH TOWNSHIP - Township residents will have a choice of three write-in candidates for one seat on the board of trustees after incumbent Scott Showalter was removed from the ballot for failing to properly filling out the required circulator statement on the back page of his nominating petition.
Township fiscal officer Audrey Fox was also removed from the ballot for the same reason, but no one registered as a write-in candidate for the position.
The write-in candidates for trustee include Kevin Bartchy, Matt Hutton and Julie Showalter.
Matt Hutton
A 1982 graduate of West Branch High School, Hutton's further education includes a Class A CDL, Certified Journeyman, and 36 hours Certified Volunteer Firefighter. He has been employed with the Knox Township Road Department in Columbiana County for the past eight years, including the past five as foreman.
Hutton has also served as a Beloit Village Councilman for the past 32 years.
"While serving as a council member, I have been appointed to the position of president pro tem multiple times. I also have several years of road maintenance experience which includes managing employees, snow and ice control, road side mowing, preparing roads for chip and seal, patching roads, culvert repair/replacement, and handling resident concerns," he said.
Hutton said he is seeking office to improve the quality of township roads and broadband service, as well as be a "voice for the community."
"I would also strive to improve fire and police protection for the entire township," he said.
Citing his years as an elected official, Hutton said he is qualified for the position of trustee due to his knowledge of the Ohio Revised Code and experience improving and maintaining road.
"I have been an active elected office holder in local government for over 32 years and would be proactive in making improvements for our community," he said. "My knowledge includes familiarity with local laws and policies as well as the Ohio Revised Code. I have experience in making proposed improvements and maintenance to township roads. I intend to support our local fire and police to the best of my ability. I sincerely care about our community and will strive to make Smith Township the best it can be while being cost efficient and mindful of the taxpayer's money."
Hutton lives on Fairview Avenue in Beloit with his wife Debbie. They have three children, Scott Hutton, Greg Hutton and Holly Hutton-Buttnick.
The paper did not receive a response to a candidate questionnaire from Bartchy and Showalter.