Four candidates are seeking two spots on Columbia Township Board of Trustees

Four candidates are on the ballot for two seats on the Columbia Township Board of Trustees. Incumbent Trustees Dick Heidecker and Mike Musto are facing challenges from Scott Bringman and Anthony Manning. Bringman did not respond to requests for participation. Dick Heidecker, 76 Education: Jefferson Area High School Family: Married 53 years to wife Sandy; five children (three of whom live in Columbia Township) and 11 grandchildren Job history: Retired from Pain Enterprise, 1971-2007; Columbia Township trustee, 2010 to present; assistant fire chief, Columbia Township Fire Department, 1993-2001; Columbia Township Fire Department, 1974-2001; Lear Siegler, 1967-1971; U.S. Navy, 1963-1967 Tony Manning, 65 Education: Juris doctorate Family: Married for 33 years; no children Job history: Retired attorney Mike Musto, 67 Education: Business and accounting courses at LCCC. Trustee training throughout the years. Training in various subjects for each franchise endeavor. Practical course training in all aspects of building homes and commercial properties. Family: Cindy, wife of 46 years; two daughters, Jennifer and Amy; four grandchildren Job history: Columbia Township trustee for the past 12 years. One year on the Board of Zoning for Columbia; other boards relative to Lorain County and Columbia Township. Vice president of sales for an online company. Home inspector for 18 years. Franchises owner of multiple successful retail enterprises. Involved in the operations at the family's horse farm. What makes you the best candidate for the position? Heidecker: I am: Compassionate. Caring. Truthful. Transparent. To all residents' needs and concerns. Manning: I have lived in the township for 4½ years. In this time, I have seen the Emerald Woods golf course being transformed into a 400 to 500 housing development, the average lot size being 0.20 acre. I still cannot get a solid answer on how the trustees allowed this, since most township residents opposed this plan for such development. All the residents are told by the trustees is they could not stop it. We, residents, do not oppose growth; thoughtful growth is welcome. Therefore, I am willing to do the hard work needed to best represent the township residents. Musto: Over the past 13 years, I have acquired experience related to governing our township. There are many complexities involved in the township and relationships between other townships, counties and the state. I have developed these skills to effectively work with all of these entities. I have a good working relationship with our fiscal officer, the other trustees, Fire Department, Zoning Department and Road departments. My previous jobs have contributed to my ability to work with all of these departments, learning the intricacies of each one. I am always talking with residents for their input and work hard to resolve issues.What is the biggest challenge facing the township and how would you address it? Heidecker: Numerous developments, and planned future developments. Try to be sure developers are abiding to the zoning set up by a judge, or zoning board. Flooding concerns: Keep streams and waterways clear by working with the Lorain County stormwater district. Trying to have full-time safety forces for Columbia Township. Manning: The biggest challenge is the current residential growth. However, I do not see that the present trustees have a vision or a plan on how to manage the growth. There appears to be no master plan for the township growth. As a result, developments are being built at a rapid pace. I would propose a long-term master plan to be completed immediately, with a possible moratorium on building until the plan is completed. Musto: Providing needed services on a limited budget and overseeing the growth in the community so it is a positive addition to our township. A balance must be made between growth and resources. Our fire and safety departments need to grow to fit the needs of our community. Roads and bridges have to be maintained. Providing for all of these needs is challenging. Acquiring grants to help offset our budget. Examples include the railroad crossing on Boston, straightening of Boone Road, replacing bridges in many areas of the township and park grants to ensure a gathering place for residents. Read more election guide coverage