Three newcomers are challenging an incumbent for two Penfield Township trustee spots

Richard Conrad Age: 66 Education: Keystone High School graduate; associate degree agricultural management, The Ohio State University Family: Wife of 45 years, Susan; three children, ages 44, 40 and 31 Job history: Self-employed at family dairy and grain farm, Conrad Farms LLC in Penfield Michael Inman Age: 52 Education: Avon High School graduate Family: Two children Job history: Agricultural farm manager; operations manager for the City of Westlake Don Jackson Age: 60 Education: Keystone High School graduate; attended Lorain County Community College Family: Wife, Lorie; daughter and son-in-law, Katie and Eric; three grandsons Job history: Sixth generation Penfield farmer; Medina Supply for 39 years Four candidates are vying for two spots on the Board of Trustees this November. Incumbent Richard Conrad is squaring off against Michael Inman, Don Jackson and Tim Misconish. Misconish did not complete the questionnaire by the deadline. What makes you the best candidate for this position? Conrad: My 36 years of experience. I want to keep the township's rural atmosphere. We have a lot to be proud of and I want to keep it that way. You can't stop growth, but I will try to help continue working with people in the township. We have to have an organized plan to keep Penfield Township like it is. We know it is going to change, but we don't want it to be completely commercial. We want to keep things half rural. The county is pushing growth, not agriculture. Residents out here don't want extreme growth. Inman: I have resided in Penfield Township for 17 years. During these years, I have been an adviser for a 4-H club, mentoring my children and those involved in the fair. My goal is to protect the future of the township for the next generation. I've raised my children here and want to keep the hometown feel that they and their future children can be proud of. Jackson: As a lifelong Penfield resident and sixth-generation farmer, I take great pride in our community and want to help ensure its success for future generations. My experience in local business and agriculture has taught me the value of hard work, honesty, and fiscal responsibility. I believe in transparency, teamwork, and open communication, and I'm committed to listening to residents and making decisions that reflect our community's best interests. I'm running for trustee because I care deeply about Penfield and want to help keep it a strong, safe, and thriving place to live and raise a family. What is the biggest challenge facing the township and how would you address it? Conrad: The pressure from the north pushing south for development. Cuyahoga County is pushing into Lorain County. Columbia Township has exploded. Eventually, that could come our way. The population is pushing out. We're an agricultural and residential community. That's something our community wants to keep and maintain, an agricultural and residential community, limiting development to certain areas. I will try to be involved in the conversation with the county to have a positive working relationship with everyone. Inman: I feel the one challenge in the township is storm water issues. I would consider a comprehensive, sustainable and context-specific approach. Jackson: Our biggest challenge is finding the right balance between growth and keeping the small-town values that make Penfield such a special place to live. We all want to see our community thrive, but we also want to protect what makes it feel like home. As things grow and change around us, we need to plan carefully, listen to one another, and make smart decisions together. If we stay connected and communicate openly, I believe we can keep Penfield strong for years to come. — Christina Jolliffe