Infrastructure, economy top priorities for 4 candidates seeking at-large council seats

COSHOCTON − Four candidates are vying for three at-large seats on Coshocton City Council with the economy and general upswing of the city a top priority.

Republican Tom Barcroft is serving his first full-term on council. He's a member of the finance, infrastructure, insurance and benefits, and grants and economic development committees. He's a graduate of River View High School and retired from the Frontier Power Company after 42 years of service. He's also a member of the Coshocton County Republican Central Committee, president of Our Town Coshocton and serves on the Historic Preservation Commission, Transportation Improvement District Board and Coshocton County Land Bank Board.

Republican Jim Kreis is a graduate of Coshocton High School and retired from AK Steel, now Cleveland Cliffs, in 2003. He was selected to replace the resigned Glenn Mishler on council in January.

Democrat Michelle Turner Ganz is seeking her third term on city council. The graduate of Coshocton High School is a co-owner of Dean's Jewelry. She's a past surrogate parent and student advocate for Coshocton City Schools, served on the steering committee that suggested the city join the Main Street program, was a board member of Our Town Coshocton, a member of the Rotary Club and past president of the Pomerene Center for the Arts.

Republican Robert Leist is the challenger and was unsuccessful in two previous bids to join city council. He has also unsuccessful in his ran for the 72nd District seat in the Ohio House of Representatives. The graduate of Coshocton High School has worked for Kraft-Heinz for 34 years, where he's the maintenance coordinator. He has served as a union steward and elected a representative of the Libertarian Party of Ohio for Congressional District 7, served on the state central committee and as a delegate to the state and national conventions. He's served on the Coshocton Board of Zoning Appeals and Coshocton County Bike Path Committee and is currently on the board of trustees for the Coshocton County Historic Cemeteries Preservation Collective. He's a co-founder of the annual Coshocton Community Car and Bike Show.

The candidates shared why they are running and what goals would be if elected.

Why are you running for this office:

Barcroft: I feel Coshocton is on the upswing economically, and I am seeking re-election to work with my fellow council members and the city administration to continue that trend. City council is the legislative body of the city and has been reviewing our city ordinances. In order to ensure Coshocton is an attractive and inviting city, council and the administration through our code enforcement officer have been targeting violations of the junk vehicle ordinance and the tall grass ordinance.

Kreis: I have lived in Coshocton all my life and would love to see it the way it was in years past. I feel we need to get some manufacturing back in Coshocton along with more housing.

Turner Ganz: City council plays a crucial role in enacting policies and initiatives that can improve the quality of life for residents. I believe in the future of Coshocton and can clearly see the possibilities for us are endless. As a part of our city council I will continue to help foster collaboration and create partnerships with area leaders and residents that will directly contribute to shaping the future of our community. As an advocate for positive change, the city council allows me to represent my fellow community members interests, concerns and needs. I will ensure voices are heard and perspectives considered, making a real impact on the lives of the people here. The accomplishments we have delivered over the past two terms on city council have been bold and impacted the community in a positive way.

Leist: I’m running for Coshocton City Council At-Large for the future of Coshocton. I have an 11-year-old daughter, who I want to have ample opportunities for a happy, safe and successful life here. That drives me to help create an environment that is prosperous for all, securing Coshocton’s future. It has prompted me towards public service and has encouraged me to inspire others to be more involved. Like most folks, I’d like to leave this world a better place than I found it. I’m asking the good people of Coshocton to help me accomplish that.

What are some goals should you be elected?

Barcroft: If elected to a second term, I will work with council members and the city administration to see the vacant building ordinance is strictly enforced. Some of our downtown buildings are undergoing renovation, but some have sat empty for years and their condition is worsening. In order to bring more new businesses to our downtown we need those buildings move-in ready. There will be many other challenges facing our city in the next few years, and I will work with everyone to meet those challenges.

Kreis: I would like help to find a way to improve our infrastructure, which is very old. To help get the city cleaned up. There have been some good improvements made in this area, but there is a lot more to do. I have a strong business background and will work well with people to accomplish the goals of city council.

Turner Ganz: As a city we need to grow our population from just over 11,000 to 15,000 − this will provide the probability for increased government funding on multiple levels which will be crucial to completing the necessary infrastructure we need. Achieving this will take collaboration and teamwork. A shared vision of Coshocton being the place people are excited to move to. We have to support our schools in every way we can. We need to keep searching for opportunities to increase available housing and pursue safe routes to schools. We must stay engaged to ensure we get the funding needed to open the theater on Main Street. For this to happen it will require focus and commitment from the city council, Our Town Coshocton and our port authority. As a council, we have to continue to commit to public safety and work hand in hand with our sheriff to ensure our community is safe for everyone. The construction of our new jail is a huge achievement for us. By working together we can make a powerful difference. My commitment to you is to continue to build stronger partnerships and increase collaboration with everyone working so hard for the betterment of our city.

Leist: I believe one of our top priorities should be repairs and upgrades to our infrastructure. It’s no secret that there have been many waterline breaks, crumbling street lights and streets and alleyways in ill repair. These conditions are budget sensitive. I will comb the city expenses to identify wasteful spending, eliminate it and have the funds appropriated to our more immediate needs. If we are to advance towards prosperity as a city, we must provide proper infrastructure. Not only do the citizens need and deserve it, but potential industry looks for it and expects it. We must prepare to meet the needs of Intel’s ancillary companies who will be seeking potential build sites.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: At-large council candidates: Infrastructure, economy top priorities