BATH TOWNSHIP — Three candidates are vying for two Bath Township trustee seats. Elected individuals will serve one four-year term.
They meet the first and third Wednesdays of each month as well as the fifth, if applicable. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Candidates John Martin and Tom Pitstick are current trustees while Michelle Clements-Pitstick is new to the “political arena.” Clements-Pitstick made note to a Fairborn Daily Herald freelance reporter that she and Tom Pitstick are of no relation to each other.
This newspaper sent each candidate questionnaires relating to their experience and what they see as the most important issue facing the township as election day draws nearer. The following candidates returned the questionnaires. These are their answers.
John Martin
Question 1 – Why are you the right candidate for this seat?
”I have lived in and have associated with Bath Township since 1967. During my 35 years of practicing law in the Fairborn community I was an attorney for the Township and then a Trustee, first elected in 1997. I have knowledge and experience in the operation of township government and sincerely appreciate the opportunity to participate In the governing of my township.”
Question 2 – What is the most important issue facing this office going forward and what solutions do you have to offer voters for this issue?
”Our most important issue is to keep up the level of service the voters have come to expect in the face of declining revenue sharing from the State of Ohio. Township residents recently passed a levy for road maintenance which I supported, due to declining revenue. With thorough review and research of operations, it is my hope to avoid any further such levies for the foreseeable future. Continue co-operation and sharing with our neighboring communities, especially the City of Fairborn is a key to success.”
Michelle Clements-Pitstick
Q1 – “While I am new to the politic arena, I am not new to public service. I have been a 911 dispatcher for 11 years. I have also worked as a volunteer firefighter /EMT since high school. I am currently working as a Careflight dispatcher. Each day in the public safety we are making decisions which could result in life and death. Based on my history I feel as though I am more than qualified to make good and informed decisions when it comes to the township. We are here to speak for our constituents which means we need to be involved within the community. Communication and listening to what our community has to say has to be at the forefront of the decisions we make.
One of the sayings folks in the fire departments are known for is “We do more with less”. This is due to the funding cuts happening all over the state. We must find ways to do more with less keeping the same or bettering the services we have now. Crisis management is a strong skill set I have developed over the years and feel it is a crucial asset to have when leading.”
Q2 – “I believe one of our biggest problems facing our community is the lack of funding we have to provide fire/EMS service. This is a negotiating year with Fairborn to continue to provide our fire/EMS coverage. The cost of doing business seems to continue to be on the rise and our current trustees are looking at other options such as outsourcing our services to other departments. While this may seem like a viable option, I feel as though fighting to keep our current service is a far better option. I can bring a better understanding of how the fire/ems system works and the different levels of care provided such as Advance life support versus Basic life support to ensure we continue to keep the quality of service we currently have.
Secondly, we have to explore all options of revenue instead of continuing to ask voters for additional tax money. Unlike my fellow candidates, stating this is a priority for them, neither of them have made any movement toward improving the issue for the township citizens until election time. One thing I am known for is wanting things done now, not just when my re-election is at stake.”
Tom Pitstick
Q1 – “Being the only farmer on the township board I bring a unique perspective to the business of the township. I operate a five generation family farm. I have been a 4H advisor, president of Greene County Agronomy Committee and Greene County Farm Bureau. Served on the Greene County Farmland Preservation Task Force. Served as president of OH Pork Council and on the National Pork Producers Council, Board of Directors and the US Meat Export Federation Exec Committee. Currently serving as VP of Greene County Regional Planning Commission and a Bath Township Trustee. I think my leadership roles in local, county, state, national and international organizations and 50 years of farm/business experience qualify me at the right candidate for trustee.”
Q2 – Township Trustees are charged with a number of responsibilities, some of which include: Maintaining all aspects of the Township Roads; Fire and EMS Service for township residents; Land use planning and Zoning for the township; Maintaining and Operating Byron Cemetery, Hiring and training of Township Personnel and the Purchase and Maintenance of Equipment used by the road dept. and cemetery .In an effort to balance the State budget they have severely reduced monies coming back to the township and I see the biggest challenge as being fiscally responsible to the residents of Bath Township in spending their tax dollars while carrying out these responsibilities.
