Incumbent faces challenger for Amherst Township trustee position

David Abraham Age: 39 Education: Firelands High School, 2003 graduate; Lorain County Joint Vocational School, HVAC certification Family: Wife of 18 years, Ashley; three children Job history: Raised in the trades, worked for uncles as a builder; real estate; sales; owner and general contractor AMC Contracting Group with offices in Amherst Township; owner Trinity Outdoor Solutions landscaping David C. Urig Age: 64 Education: Bachelor of arts in political science, John Carroll University, 1982 Family: Married, Marina Kazantseva, 14 years Job history: Manager, 7-Eleven Incumbent David C. Urig is hoping to hold on to his seat as Amherst Township trustee as he faces off against David Abraham and Heath J. Baus in November. Baus did not respond to several attempts to contact him. What makes you the best candidate for the position? ABRAHAM: My understanding of the construction industry, progress and development, how the township is run and what needs to be done differently in order for it to succeed into the future. I know the inner workings of the township and the things that need to change in order for the township to survive. A lot of young families are moving into the township, and I will take into account their future needs and the needs of their children. I'm only 39, so this is not something I'm going to do for four years and be done. I am willing to listen and hear every side. URIG: I am a needed balance to the board. Oftentimes I am the dissenting vote in a 2-1 vote. I am not afraid to question. I care where the township will be in 10, 20, 50, 100 years. I am a lifelong township resident with 40 years' experience as Amherst Township trustee. My family has been in the township over 140 years. What is the biggest challenge facing the township and how would you address it? ABRAHAM: The biggest challenge facing the township is how to control development and growth. Right now, the township doesn't have the proper processes in place to be able to control growth. Growth is going to happen, and we want it to happen as long as it benefits the township. It's nice to not have growth, but life goes on, and as things become more expensive, we need a tax base. If we don't have it, it becomes more of a burden on everyone else -- the police, fire and EMS. If proper processes are not put in place, it's going to hurt residents over time. URIG: Controlling growth and maintaining the rural integrity of the township. I have consistently voted and argued to maintain the integrity of the R-AG Zone and its 1-acre lot density. I have consistently voted and argued against the rezoning to smaller lots. I ran three successful and one unsuccessful zoning referenda in an effort to set parameters on growth. I voted against the settlement agreement for Case CV20 200199 (Sandstone Development). I would like to encourage more citizen involvement. I would also like to continue to pursue outside grants to supplement the township budget and continue to save residents money by continuing to bid out residential solid waste service. -- Christina Jolliffe