6 people seek VWAEDC board positions

VW independent/submitted information

The Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation (VWAEDC) will hold its first annual election for the three at-large positions on its board of trustees on Monday, June 20.

Six members of the combined city-county economic development organization have filed petitions to be placed on the ballot. The person receiving the most votes will serve a three-year term, the second highest vote-getter will serve a two-year term, and the third highest will serve one year.

“The six people on the ballot were asked to fill out a questionnaire to enable voters to get a better idea of why they wanted to be a part of economic development in Van Wert and what they envisioned for Van Wert’s future. The full questionnaire for each candidate can be viewed at www.vanwert.org and www.whyvanwert.org, along with printable ballots.

Ballots can be cast at the Van Wert County Commissioners’ Office or Van Wert Mayor’s Office until the June 20 election.

The election itself will be held in the First Federal Lecture Hall of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio at 6:30 p.m. Monday, and results will be announced that evening. Any person who has already purchased a membership can vote. Those who have not yet purchased a membership can do so Monday evening and still cast a vote.

Below are the answers provided by candidates to the question: “What skills do you feel you bring that would help overcome obstacles to economic development in Van Wert?”

Troy Hoffman: I feel as though my strongest asset is my willingness to engage persons of completely different views. I have done this to gain information and understanding from conflicting parties. While through these discussions we may not have always been able to attain common ground, it has given me an opportunity to have a better understanding on what drives an individual and their beliefs. Opposition and difference of opinion is not always a negative.

Troy Miller: The ability to work as a team, determine a goal, develop a plan, and work the plan.

If you don’t have a vision and set a goal, we will end up exactly where we started. I am a results oriented kind of person.

Dave Kirchenbauer: I have broad experience in advanced manufacturing technology, facilities engineering, project management, environmental engineering, building codes, and site development. I have worked with many diverse organizations and have taken an active role in bringing them together to complete a successful project. This included many city, county & state government agencies.

Jane Lianez: Having lived in Van Wert most of my life I know these people well and will express my concerns even if a few toes are stepped on.

Clint Myers: I have spent my life giving back to Van Wert. Service to my community is my strongest skill in working to grow the economic development in our county. When I took over Camp Clay, I took a faltering camp and in six years turned it around to be one of the biggest summer attractions in the county. I worked to build a camp that made Van Wert a better place to grow up, many people in the community know me because many of them or their children have benefited from Camp Clay.

Carol Miller: I feel I am an open mind person who likes to listen to people and their concerns. I like being around people, and want to help the county grow.

To view the candidate’s answers in full and obtain a ballot, go to either of the websites listed above and click on the links for “Economic Development” and “Van Wert Area Economic Development.” Membership is open to all county residents and business stakeholders, and all participation is encouraged.