Tim Ginter

John P. Williams

The winner of the March 19 Republican primary will then face Democrat Ray Cox of Salem in the general election Nov. 5 for the chance to replace incumbent Republican Commissioner Tim Weigle, who chose not to seek re-election after three four-year terms. Cox is unopposed in next week’s primary.

For Ginter, 68, it’s all about serving the people. He had already served county residents for eight years as state vrepresentative and decided to run after hearing Weigle’s seat was coming open and people approached him about running.

“I saw it as another opportunity to continue to serve the people of Columbiana County. Service has always been a major part of my life,” he said, referring to both his service in the ministry and in the statehouse. “It’s been good.”

For the past 12 years, he has served as pastor of the Church at the Center in Salem.

Williams, who wouldn’t give his age, but said he’s in his 70’s, ran as a write-in for state representative of the 79th District in 2022, but lost. When asked why he decided to run for commissioner, he said, “I think the county needs help, I think all the counties need help, especially with all the hazards from the southern border.”

Williams said people have no idea what a commissioner does. He talked about the business center of the county, how commissioners disburse money and about working in harmony for the good of county residents.

He cited his work experience in running businesses and advising businesses to solve problems as giving him the tools needed as a county commissioner, saying “I can relate with the companies.”

He also said “there’s always a better way to do it” when it comes to solving problems.

He listed his skills as plant manager, CNC programmer, CAD programmer, electrical engineer, IBM AIX System administrator, supervisor in 10 trades, teacher/trainer, Hazmat response team, medical first responder, licensed RADAR tech, machine designer/builder and telecommunications engineer.

His current work includes industrial consulting/service and systems management for Automation Dynamics in Lisbon and also as an adult education instructor at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center.

Williams explained that all those skill sets he has acquired over the years all overlap and can be applied to running a good county government.

“You don’t make big changes, you make subtle changes and see the effect,” he said.

Ginter pointed to his experience serving in the state legislature for eight years as giving him the qualifications to be a county commissioner. He’s already been working on meeting the needs of county residents as a legislator and said the interactions he’s had with the various government leaders give him insight into the needs and challenges of the county.

“I still have strong relationships with (members of) both the House and the Senate that will be beneficial,” he said.

He served on the state and local government committee and dealt directly with all legislation that passed through the House impacting local government. In his last term, he was elected by members of the majority caucus as Speaker Pro Tempore of the 134th General Assembly.

Both Williams and Ginter have been familiarizing themselves with the office of commissioner, both attending meetings and asking questions.

When asked to identify the biggest challenge facing county government, Ginter said he didn’t see a huge challenge for the county, saying the county’s in a good position, but he did identify a couple of issues he would like to tackle.

Those issues include reduction of property taxes, saying “what we’re doing is unsustainable” and centralizing 911. He said the county’s at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to agencies communicating with each other and said the East Palestine train derailment was a perfect example of an unexpected event illustrating the need for centralized 911.

As for the reduction in property taxes, he said the commissioners would have to go to the state, but he would like them to put their heads together to come up with some innovative suggestion to deal with the issue.

When asked about the biggest challenge facing the county, Williams said “from what I can see, security. I think the county should be prepared for an invasion from the southern border.”

“Are we prepared for all the contingencies that could happen?” he asked, adding there has to be deliberate preparation, such as police departments dealing with thefts. Preparation is always preventative maintenance, he said.

William said if he’s elected, he’ll be involved in all aspects of the departments within the county to make sure the county prospers.

“You gotta be involved. Involvement is the key,” he said. “If you don’t have communication, then you’re isolated. Go out and feel the pulse of companies and departments.”

If elected, Williams said people can expect dedication, persistence and a get the job done attitude. For him, everyone is a customer and he has to figure out what to do to get that customer satisfaction. Find out what’s working, what’s not working and listen to the customer, listen to the county resident and listen to the county taxpayer.

If elected, Ginter said the people already had him for eight years to see how he operates and he’ll continue that service.

“I will serve the people with integrity and diligence and promise to work hard on their behalf,” he said.

According to Ginter, he was known as a responsive state representative. Phone calls were returned and he said he’ll follow that same approach as a commissioner.

“As I see a need, I will try to fill that need,” he said.

Ginter and his wife of 44 years, Pam, have one daughter and three grandchildren. Ginter is a member of the Ohio Farm Bureau, National Rifle Association and the Buckeye Firearms Association. Born in Shelby, he received his post high school education at Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Ohio and Nazarene Bible College in Colorado while working full-time as a machinist.

A widower, Williams has four sons and nine grandchildren. He attends the Lisbon Assembly of God and is involved with Raise Your Voice and an organizer of Columbiana County Freedom Action Network and Americans For Prosperity, a national grassroots organization. He grew up in East Liverpool and moved to Lisbon in 2014. He received education and training at Ohio State University, FANUC Robotics Training Center in Michigan, Beaver County Community College in Pennsylvania, General Electric Training Center in Virginia, Kent State University, Penn State University, Youngstown State University, IBM Training Center in Texas and Naxos Union in Germany.