Three vie for two seats on Eaton Township Board of Trustees

Sabrina Burrington Age: 56 Education: On-the-job training; classes at Lorain County Community College; graduated Lorain County JVS Family: Divorced; three children; four grandchildren with another on the way Job history: Primary operator, Momentive Technologies in Strongsville; landlord; waitress; former professional boxer Website: Burrington for Eaton Township Trustee on FacebookMatt Hignett Age: 58 Education: Lorain County Community College; Midview High School; leadership training, Ohio Township Association; Ohio Fair Managers Association training; firefighter training Family: Wife, Amy; siblings; nieces and nephews. Job history: Property management specialist overseeing maintenance, operations and improvement of residential and commercial properties; in fourth term as Eaton Township trustee, three elected and one appointed; environmental health and safety compliance; heavy equipment operator and job estimator; member, Lorain County Fair Board; former volunteer firefighter.Jason Monschein Age: 43 Education: Bachelor's degree, Ashland University Family: Married with children Job history: Paramedic/firefighter, Tiffin (Seneca County), Eaton Township and LaGrange Township fire departments; Eaton Township trustee since 2014 Voters will see a three-way race for two seats on the Eaton Township Board of Trustees in November, with two incumbents and a challenger facing off. Incumbent trustees Matt Hignett and Jason Monschein are running for reelection, with challenger Sabrina Burrington facing them. The terms of office are four years in the nonpartisan post. What makes you the best candidate for the position? Burrington: I love people. I'm passionate about my township. I see the beauty in my township. I think I can move it to the future with some ideas by utilizing our ballpark to earn extra money for playground equipment. The kids in this area need somewhere to go. Hignett: I bring practical, hands-on experience in managing both people and resources effectively. I've consistently demonstrated the ability to maintain a solid, responsible budget — eliminating waste while ensuring essential township services run efficiently and reliably for all residents. What truly sets me apart is my commitment to listening. I take the time to hear from residents and local business owners alike, using their concerns and feedback to guide informed, thoughtful decisions that reflect the real needs of our community. Whether it's addressing issues like road maintenance, drainage concerns, or planning for long-term improvements, I approach each challenge with a focus on solutions, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. My goal is simple: To ensure Eaton Township continues to grow responsibly, serve its residents effectively, and remain a great place to live and work. Monschein: I look to do what is best for the township as a whole. Different areas or quadrants, of the township, have different needs or issues that may not be prominent in other areas. A trustee needs to consider these aspects when making decisions on different matters. I give honest opinions and answers based on the facts of the subject and legal opinions provided to the township. I have been a lifelong resident of Eaton Township and only want the best for our community. What is the biggest challenge facing the township and how would you address it? Burrington: Our biggest challenge is being annexed by surrounding cities and developments coming in. They're coming so fast but there's nothing we can really do about these developments. These developers are paying top dollar per acre, and the average person can't compete with that. I started looking into what we could do with "quiet zones" in the township because of all the railroad crossings we have.Hignett: One of the biggest challenges as a trustee we are already addressing is managing residential development while preserving the rural character — our township values. Positioned near growing housing developments to the north and east, we're at a critical point. As a current trustee, I believe it's essential to uphold proper zoning regulations and a comprehensive land use plan that reflects the desires of our residents. We are committed to following the Ohio Revised Code and all applicable regulations, while also actively listening to and working for our community. Our goal is to protect the township's unique qualities while responsibly managing future growth. Monschein: There are multiple big challenges Eaton Township faces. Again, these challenges are all not the same for every quadrant of the township. Overall, the whole township faces flooding issues. Three areas have sewers, those will be attempted targets by developers. Three areas of the township face annexation threats. Two of those areas have better protection from annexation than the third. I could sample 10 different random residents, and probably get 10 different major challenges in their neighborhood. At the end of the day, I want to keep Eaton Township's rural atmosphere while challenging developers with creative zoning and will continue to fight against annexation of our borders. — Dave O'Brien