Candidates for Township Positions in Knox County
In order to provide information on candidates running for election throughout Knox County, Knox County Democratic Party chairwoman Kathy Tate mailed a questionnaire, via the U.S. Postal Service, to the candidates’ mailing addresses on file with the Knox County Board of Elections. In cases where an email address or a phone number was available, further attempts to get the information were made. Below is the information received from candidates for Township positions in Knox County.
If you are a candidate who has not yet responded but would like to have your information posted, please email Kathy at kathytate@knoxcountydems.org
Berlin Township
Position Running for: Berlin Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Jamie Thorne
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Berlin Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: James Dechant
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Berlin Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Walt Farlee
No response received as of September 28, 2023
Brown Township
Position running for: Brown Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Baihley White
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Brown Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Stephen Butts
No response received as of September 28, 2023
Butler Township
Position running for: Butler Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Debra Voshall
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Butler Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Andrew Collins
No information available at this time
Clay Township
Position running for: Clay Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Dedra Kidwell
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position running for: Clay Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Chodd Armfelt
Education: B.S. The Ohio State University Majoring in Agricultural Systems Management
Background/Qualifications: Grew up on a farm in Martinsburg, I have lived in Clay Township my whole life, its my home. Currently managing that same farm and working for Kokosing Construction Company managing machine automation. I previously worked for The Licking County Soil & Water Conservation District as a Conservation Specialist, I dealt with resolving natural resource concerns including erosion and water quality.
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected? Voters in Clay Township have shown me their support 4 years ago when I was first elected as trustee. Since then Clay Township has completed multiple road projects, with more on the horizon. I have recently been focused on the safety of our roads. Clay Township was recently awarded a state funded grant to update our signage on township roads. This will greatly increase the safety of our roads by deploying signs such as curve ahead, stop ahead, and intersection warnings, bringing our road signage to ODOT standards. I also manage the two cemeteries in Clay Township and serve on the Knox County Regional Planning Commission. I am in this position because I care about my community, and after my military service I still had the itch to serve. Whether its cleaning up a fallen tree after a storm before you go to work, or plowing snow before the school bus brings your kids home. Trustees are out there serving the community, I am out there serving my community, and I plan on serving this community the next four years after I am re-elected. Thank you for your vote and support.
Clinton Township
Position running for: Clinton Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Jennifer Hubbard
Education: Bachelors in Business Administration with a minor in Sociology
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected? I absolutely love doing budgets and finance stuff, it has been such a joy to work with Clinton Township and try to be as fiscally responsible with the Township funds.
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Position running for: Clinton Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: John Holland
Education: BGSU and Aurora AIB Degrees 2
Background/Qualifications: 47 Finance –Banking
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected? To stop the sell out of our sewer system
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Position running for: Clinton Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Donna Hochstetler
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position running for: Clinton Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Danielle Daughriety
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position running for: Clinton Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Brienna Brunswick
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position running for: Clinton Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Jay Maners
No response received as of September 28, 2023
College Township
Position running for: College Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Courtney Decoskey
Education: Ohio University Bachelor of Fine Arts
Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service
Master of Public Administration
Concentration: Crisis and Emergency Management
Background/Qualifications: I have previously worked at Kenyon College in roles that required budget management. After Kenyon, I pursued a role in local government in the Village of Gambier’s administration office as Village Administrator Assistant and Utility Clerk. It was in this position I made the decision to dedicate myself to a career in public service and began my Master of Public Administration.
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected? While completing my MPA program I was appointed to the role of fiscal officer in College Township in April of 2022, to fulfill an unexpired term. This appointment has strengthened my commitment to public service, and I would like to continue in the role as an elected official in order to ensure that the township maintains compliance with state regulations and retains financial solvency.
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Position running for: College Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Bernard Ingles
Education: Bachelors’ Degree, Public Safety Administration – Franklin University
Associates’ Degree, Fire/EMS Science – Columbus State Community College
Background/Qualifications: I retired in 2014 as the Fire Chief for the City of Westerville/Blendon Township after a 37-year career in the fire service. My responsibilities included providing services to a township organization, including budgeting, staffing, facilities and maintenance, and equipment.
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?: I enjoy the satisfaction I get from serving in the public sector responding to the needs of the community and its citizens. It is my desire to continue serving and working with a great group of people that truly have the best interests of the township at heart.
Harrison Township
Position running for: Harrison Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Tammy Faucett
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Harrison Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Claude Gates
No response received as of September 28, 2023
Hilliar Township
Position running for: Hilliar Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Julie Laughlin
Education: Summa cum laude Bachelor’s of Science with dual major in Business Management & Marketing
Background/Qualifications: Began as the county’s first township administrator in May 2005, then asked by Board of Trustees to serve as fiscal officer in November of 2010. Have been serving in that capacity ever since with clean audits.
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected? With the payoff of the last major note earlier this year, I would like to set aside funds for future major expenditures to avoid debt and interest charges and would maintain the level of fiscal accountability of the past years.
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Position running for: Hilliar Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Angela Webb
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position running for: Hilliar Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: John Evan Moore
No response received as of September 28, 2023
Howard Township
Position running for: Howard Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Darcy Knight
Education: Graduate of East Knox High School, Two year degree COTC in Business
Background/Qualifications: Treasurer East Knox Athletic Boosters for 15 years, President Ralston Art Memorial for 3 years.
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected? I have lived in Howard my entire life. I love seeing the town grow and thrive. I want to see it continue to be a safe community with the small town closeness.
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Position running for: Howard Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Amberly Frye
Education: I graduate in 8.5 months with my Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management
Business Management Technology Degree
HR Management Certification
Office Administration Certification
Management Certification
Entrepreneur Certification
Background/Qualifications: I have fifteen years of finance experience, and I currently work as a Financial Counselor. I have taken several accounting, math, bookkeeping, finance, and employee benefits/payroll classes that have prepared me for the Howard Township Fiscal Officer position.
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected? I am running for multiple reasons. I want to serve the community I call home, be more involved in our community’s success and longevity, and advocate for those concerned about addressing issues within our community. In addition, I want to learn from those currently in elected positions while offering a new level of excitement and passion for Howard Township. Having the opportunity to serve and give back to our community in this capacity would be an honor. With the help of your vote, I can accomplish these things. Please consider me, Amberly Frye, when voting for the Howard Township Fiscal Officer position on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
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Position running for: Howard Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Martha “Marty” Trese
Education: Bachelor of Arts, The College of Wooster, Computerized Office Technologies Adult Ed course at Knox Technical Center
Background/Qualifications: Trese has a wide range of professional experiences. She currently coordinates the Mount Vernon Farmers Market and has served the community as the former Owner/Editor of KnoxPages.com and the original host of AM Knox County on WMVO radio and Program Director WQIO radio. In Columbus, Trese worked as a television news producer for WBNS and WCMH. She has served on a number of community boards including Food for the Hungry, United Way of Knox County’s Fund Distribution Committee, the Mount Vernon High School Academic Booster Club and Psi Iota Xi philanthropic sorority.
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected? As a 20+ year resident of Howard Township I would like to give back to my community. I’m also running to provide communication and transparency to township residents in terms of zoning change requests, road repair and paving schedules. I’d also like to help keep residents informed about where their tax dollars are being spent in the township.
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Position running for: Howard Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Craig Gilmore
Education: East Knox Graduate
Background/Qualifications: Lifelong Resident of Howard Township, Served on Township Board for 13 years, Owner / operator of Family business that was established in 1968 (owner since 2003), Worked for East Knox Schools, Volunteered for EKCJFD, Served On Knox County Health Liscensing Board, Served on Knox County Health Board, Currently Serving on EKCJFD Board.
Why are you running: I enjoy being involved in the community. To continue the road maintenance program that we started 12 years ago, while staying within the budget of the taxpayers money.
Jackson Township
Position running for: Jackson Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Patricia Frost
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Jackson Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Raymond Harris
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Jackson Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Devin Claggett
No response received as of September 28, 2023
Jefferson Township
Position running for: Jefferson Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Jennifer Wobbecke Guthrie
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position running for: Jefferson Township Trustee – Seeking reelection
Name of Candidate: Frank M. Dimarco
Education: Associate of Applied Science – Hocking College – Certificate in Wildlife Management; Bachelor of Science – The Ohio State University – School of Natural Resources
Background/Qualifications: Currently a Trustee for Jefferson Township, President of Main, Market & Beyond – Danville Business Association. I have over 15 years of zoning experience and experience in township government. Having attended many meetings and training sessions, which have prepared me to represent the residents of our township.
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected? I own a farm in Jefferson Township and understand issues facing rural landowners. Many of our residents enjoy the solitude of their land and home. They work diligently to maintain their property and want to protect their way of life, living in beautiful Jefferson Township. In 2023, I will be presenting an opportunity to increase our budget without raising taxes on the residents. This will provide more funding to maintain our roads, maintain our cemeteries, and upgrade our equipment.
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Position Running for: Jefferson Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Roxanna Reiheld
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Jefferson Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Mark Prager
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Jefferson Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Steve Kauffman
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Jefferson Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Monica Severns
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Jefferson Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Larry George
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Jefferson Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Brandon M. Holt
No response received as of September 28, 2023
Liberty Township
Position running for: Liberty Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Ginger Casner
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Liberty Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Kim Allen
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Liberty Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: William Spurgeon
No response received as of September 28, 2023
Middlebury Township
Position running for: Middlebury Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: (Adam) Cale Grubb
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Middlebury Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Larry H. Schunke
No information available at this time
Milford Township
Position running for: Milford Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Crystal McElhaney
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Milford Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: George Blocker
No response received as of September 28, 2023
Miller Township
Position running for: Miller Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Gary Small
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Miller Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Jason Row
No response received as of September 28, 2023
Monroe Township
Position running for: Monroe Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Lisa Adams
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Monroe Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Kevin Henthorn
No response received as of September 28, 2023
Morgan Township
Position running for: Morgan Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Ali R. Matheney
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Morgan Township Trustee (write-in)
Name of Candidate: Charles (Chuck) Rowley
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Morgan Township Trustee (write-in)
Name of Candidate: Jerry Zirkler
No response received as of September 28, 2023
Morris Township
Position running for: Morris Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Diane Clippinger
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Morris Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Dan Humphrey
I’ve been the position of trustee for 11 years and am running unopposed this year.
Pike Township
Position running for: Pike Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Alaina Swank
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Pike Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Brayden Freeman
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Pike Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: William E. Belton Jr.
No response received as of September 28, 2023
Pleasant Township
Position running for: Pleasant Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Christina M. Light
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position running for: Pleasant Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: (Belinda) Dawn Campbell
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Pleasant Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: David Smith
No response received as of September 28, 2023
Union Township
Position running for: Union Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Jennifer Samples
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Union Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Clint Kanuckel
No response received as of September 28, 2023
Wayne Township
Position running for: Wayne Township Fiscal Officer
Name of Candidate: Diane S. Randall
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position Running for: Wayne Township Trustee
Name of Candidate: Richard Yarman
No response received as of September 28, 2023