Jeff Riddell, Will Schlechter face off in Republican primary for county commissioner

Jeff Riddell Age: 74 Party: Republican Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting and human resources from Penn State. Family: Married to wife, Donna, 48 years; four children; seven grandchildren Job history: Lorain County commissioner, 2023-present; family business, Consumer Builders Supply, 1974 to 2024. Will Schlechter Age: 49 Party: Republican Education: Attended The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute; 1995 graduate of Firelands High School Family: wife, Susan, of 23 years; four children, ages 14 to 20 Job history: I grew up on a dairy farm and have worked the farm my whole life. In 2000 we sold the cows, but continued to work the land. I've also worked off the farm for eight years doing iron work, operating a crane, excavators, and bulldozers and hauling equipment and materials. In 2002 my brother Carl and I created a farm partnership, Schlechter Brothers Country Harvest, which has since grown to include a seasonal farm market, Schlechter Brothers Farm Market. In 2008 we started our own excavating business, Schlechter Construction Service, Inc. Website: Will Schlechter for County Commissioner Incumbent Lorain County Commissioner Jeff Riddell is facing a Republican primary challenge from one of his Henrietta Township neighbors, Will Schlechter. The winner of the Republican primary will face the winner of the Democratic primary between Brian Baker, of Brownhelm Township, and Carolyn White, of Sheffield, in November. The Board of Commissioners has three members, all currently Republicans. Terms are four years. What makes you the best candidate for the position? RIDDELL: I have the experience, diversified, to understand and tackle the challenges facing the county. I am used to seeing the problem, doing the homework, and building a consensus to move on the issue/problem. I understand no solution will completely satisfy all. Finding the most good for the most citizens. SCHLECHTER: I have always felt that it is important to serve the community in which you live. As a lifelong Lorain County resident, I have been involved with many local organizations: Lorain County Farm Bureau, Lorain County Soil and Water Conservation Board, LORCO Board, Henrietta UMC Administrative Board, Firelands school board, Henrietta Township Zoning Board of Appeals, 4-H Volunteer, BSA volunteer. Through my service, I have made several connections and met many people in other leadership roles throughout the county. I will use my experience to represent the needs of all residents of Lorain County with integrity, transparency and trust. What is the biggest challenge facing the county and how would you address it? RIDDELL: Getting the county government to adopt the concept that we have to move forward. Keeping the status quo is the same as rolling backward, especially to those who are moving forward. Our strategic plan gives us a plan built on citizen participation, not political posturing or rhetoric. SCHLECHTER: I believe the biggest challenge in Lorain County is the lack of communication and transparency of the county administration. Residents and township officials were blindsided by the west-side sewer project and mega site. The townships were not included during the preliminary planning stages and are now on the defense. I believe the best way to regain some of the trust would be to pause the project and have informational meetings to get the questions answered that people have and more detailed information, such as cost, repayment and end users.