What you need to know before you fill out your ballot
ROSS COUNTY — With election day tomorrow, it is important to know what and who you are voting for on your ballot. Here is what to expect on the Nov. 7 election.
On election day polling locations will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more information about the election or to find your polling location, visit the Ross County Board of Elections website.
Chillicothe Mayor Race
Three people are running for the mayoral position in Chillicothe: incumbent Luke Feeney (D), Julie Preston (R) and Jade Berry.
Feeney has served the city for over 10 years as mayor and city auditor and hopes to continue leading the positive change in the area. Preston is a current city council member with a career in law enforcement. She hopes to make the city cleaner and safer for citizens and visitors. Berry is a local business owner and is on several boards, she hopes to use her knowledge to help connect the city and support the growth of the area.
Chillicothe City Council President
In the running for council president are incumbent Joe Gieringer (R) and Kevin Shoemaker (D).
Gieringer hopes to use his knowledge of the position to continue supporting the community and expanding the revitalization from downtown to all of Chillicothe. Shoemaker wants to be able to give the public a voice and help support the betterment of the city with the recent comprehensive plan.
Tax Levies
There are three fire and EMS tax levies on the ballot for Deerfield, Twin and Concord Townships.
Deerfield Township is seeking a renewal .90 mill fire and EMS levy. Ross County Auditor Jeff Lehner said the levy's passage would not increase taxes on Deerfield Township property owners.
Twin Township has an additional 1.5 mill fire and EMS levy on the ballot to fund EMS contracts that provide service for the township.
Concord Township has an additional 1.75 mill fire and EMS levy on the ballot to support staff members.
Chillicothe City Council At Large Representative
While voting for at-large members of Chillicothe City Council voters can choose up to three candidates to vote for. Candidates are Gunner Barnes (D), Jeff Creed (R), Allison Henderson (R), Anthony Phillips (R), Dustin Proehl (D) and Davis Tatman (D). Henderson, Phillips and Proehl are all current members of council.
Chillicothe City Council 1st Ward Representative
Lisa Bennett (R) and Ruth Teeters (D) are running for the first ward seat on the Chillicothe City Council.
Bennett hopes to support utilities in the city to help it grow and support the hidden gems in Chillicothe. Teeters hopes to listen to citizens, be active in the community and create an effective team on council.
Chillicothe City Council 2nd Ward Representative
Incumbent Kathy Payne (R) and Christina Arredondo (D) are running for the second ward seat on the Chillicothe City Council.
Payne hopes to continue her role as a hardworking member of council who works to find solutions for everyone in her ward. Arredondo hopes to continue her work as an advocate by supporting the community and bringing underrepresented people to the table.
Chillicothe City Council 4th Ward Representative
Incumbent Steve Barnes (R) and John Thacker (D) are running for the fourth ward seat on the Chillicothe City Council.
Barnes's goal is to be a helping hand in government to help citizens navigate and find the answers they need. Thacker believes he can give the fourth ward a voice while being honest and open to constituents.
Chillicothe City Council 5th Ward Representative
Gregory McKeever (R) and Julie Thacker (D) are running for the fifth ward seat on the Chillicothe City Council.
McKeever hopes to better the city by focusing on public safety and utilities as well as helping create budgetary plans for the departments. Thacker is a local business owner who wants to help create a cohesive city council that will spread the revitalization to other parts of Chillicothe.
Chillicothe City Council 6th Ward Representative
Incumbent Jamie Brown (D) and Dan Demint (R) are running for the sixth ward seat on the Chillicothe City Council.
Brown hopes to help increase jobs and workers in the city while also creating new opportunities for citizens. Demint hopes to work to better the sixth ward through infrastructure and attractions that will bring people to the area all while having minimal impact on taxes.
Village Mayors
Patti Cavender and Virgil "Rusty" Flannery are running for Frankfort mayor.
Jason Addis and Michael Stroud are running for South Salem mayor.
Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Get to know the candidates and issues on your upcoming ballot
