Editor’s note: Each day this week, the Journal-Tribune will feature coverage of contested races and issues throughout the county ahead of the March 17 primary election.
Today’s edition features statements submitted by Dave Burke and Rod Goddard, the two Republican candidates competing for the Union County Commissioner seat to replace Steve Stolte. The five Republican candidates running for Charles Hall’s seat will be featured in Saturday’s edition.
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Dave Burke, 52, is currently a pharmacist. He also serves as a State Senator.
“Since 1997, my wife and I have owned Dave’s Pharmacy in Marysville. We have raised our family in Union County and feel fortunate to call it home. I have been entrusted by the public to serve them on Marysville City Council, The Ohio House and currently serve in The Ohio Senate. County Commissioner would be a great opportunity to take these life experiences and use them to benefit our county. Keeping a high quality of life, opportunities for employment available and maintaining the heritage that makes Union County special would be a priority. We are blessed with an increasing population but without proper planning and collaboration growth can become a curse. Union County is an agricultural, manufacturing and now a technological hub with the Smart Corridor on Rt. 33. Few places in Ohio have been as fortunate as Union County. Our entire county benefits from leadership that innovates and grows our strengthens. Using our resources thoughtfully and strategically to improve the quality of our friends and neighbors lives is a top priority for me. Some of the choices we will make in the near future can only be made once. I believe my experiences as a business owner and public servant uniquely qualify me to lead our county should the voters deem me worthy.”
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Rod Goddard, 58, is a retired fire chief/paramedic and currently serves as a Claibourne Township trustee.
“I am a life-long resident of Union County and a proud husband, father, and grandfather. I also currently serve as a Claibourne Township trustee. My occupational experiences and the knowledge I have gained about the systems and intricacies of the county give me the confidence to say that I will be a valuable asset to Union County serving as one of its commissioners.
My experience includes:
– Small business owner
– Agriculture background
– Firefighter/paramedic at the Allen Township Fire Department for 27 years, 17 of those years as Fire Chief
– Member of the Union County Health Board for 13 years
– Worked closely with the Union County Sheriff’s Office and Engineers Office
– Worked with the Prosecutor’s Office on legal issues
– Collaborated with the Auditor’s Office on fire levies and yearly budgets for the fire department, health board and 911 system
– Served on other various committees, boards and leadership/business ventures
Union County is a great place to live and has a lot to offer its residents. That said, there are several issues facing our county. A few needs that come to the forefront are as follows:
– Zoning and growth
– Communication within the county
– Workforce progress
– Traffic congestion
– Log jams
– Challenges facing emergency services
Each of these issues can be successfully addressed through collaboration, diplomatic discussion, and determination. As a county commissioner, I would strive to build stronger working relationships amongst county, city and state elected officials, build cooperation efforts, work with all vested private and public leaders, and encourage businesses to revive our villages. Through the years, you’ve trusted me with the needs of your family and emergencies you’ve faced. I will work as hard and as diligently in the county commissioner role as I have in my other leadership capacities. I have the background, commitment and sincerity to serve the community with competence and integrity. I’m asking you to consider me at the polls at the Primary on March 17th.