A look at the six individuals running for three Dover council ward seats
DOVER ‒ Voters will be selecting members of Dover City Council at the Nov. 7 general election, with three contested ward races to be decided.
In Ward 1, Councilman Gregory M. Bair, a Democrat, will face Republican Joshua D. Legg. In Ward 3, Councilwoman Sandy Moss, a Democrat, will be challenged by Cody J. Jerles, a Republican, and in Ward 4, Councilman Robert Mueller, a Democrat, will face Republican Nate Johnson. Councilman Kevin Korns, a Republican who represents Ward 2, is unopposed.
Ward 1
Name: Gregory M. Bair (Incumbent)
Age: 75
Party: Democrat
Occupation: Retired
Why should the residents of Dover vote for you for council? I am the best candidate to serve the citizens of Dover. I have a proven track record and persistence to accomplish until a resolution is resolved. I am the Service Committee chairman. I also a member of the Finance and Parks & Recreation committees. As a lifelong resident of Dover, it has provided me with knowledge and deep appreciation in the eyes of the citizens. I have had a near perfect attendance rate of 99%. I answer all calls and questions from my constituent. I truly believe they deserve an answer in a timely manner.
What is the most pressing issue facing Dover, and what would you do to address it? I feel the biggest challenge facing the City of Dover is keeping money in the citizens' wallets with the rising inflation and a tough economy. I will always continue to look for the areas to reduce expenses and look for opportunities for growth within the City of Dover. I will always a have an open-door policy, listening to all their ideas and trying to make Dover the best and safest place to live.
Name: Joshua D. Legg
Age: 42
Party: Republican
Occupation: Sales consultant, WTUZ Radio, Inc.
Why should the residents of Dover vote for you for council? Dover is where my son, nieces and nephews will grow up. Dover is where my parents and siblings will continue to call home. I want the chance to positively influence their future and my neighbors' futures. Our neighborhoods are the heart and soul of our city, and I want to cultivate these relationships. Our residents need to feel safe, to know their neighbors care and to trust that their government is working for them.
What is the most pressing issue facing Dover, and what would you do to address it? AARP figures show that Dover residents aged 65-plus account for 21% of our total population; 12% of our Dover residents navigate life with a member who has a disability. Our city needs to keep these figures in mind as it plans for the future. If elected, I would work to support ideas that would contribute to the safety of our seniors, walkability of our city and accessibility to our parks. Every neighbor should feel valued.
Ward 3
Name: Sandy Moss
Age: 60
Party: Democrat
Occupation: Medical insisting instructor at Buckeye Career Center and Ward 3 councilwoman for 24 years.
Why should the residents of Dover vote for you for council? I believe I'm the best candidate to serve the citizens of Ward 3 due to both my experience and long history of accomplishments as a city councilwoman. The city of Dover is at a crossroads where we must continue moving the city forward as we have been doing the last 18 months. Any delaying could continue to hinder the progress of Dover.
What is the most pressing issue facing Dover, and what would you do to address it? The biggest issue is the Dover Chemical situation and how we should work to resolve this as quickly as possible so we can focus on moving on and obtaining new businesses and jobs. However, it's imperative that we defend the city against all pending litigation, so I plan to continue to diligently work with the mayor, the rest of city council and our legal team for a fast but fair resolution that protects our taxpayers.
Name: Cody Jerles
Age: 31
Party: Republican
Occupation: Special education teacher
Why should the residents of Dover vote for you for council? With my extensive experience in leadership positions as a youth coordinator, coaching and teaching, I feel I can provide a level of accountability and leadership that this city needs. I believe I can be a new voice that can speak for my constituents to ensure everyone feels heard. I am very proud of Dover and feel as though we can create a prosperous town once again.
What is the most pressing issue facing Dover, and what would you do to address it? The most pressing issue facing Dover has been the shadow cast upon us from the recent litigation. My focus as a new member of council would be to create transparency and move toward the future. I want to be more approachable and seen as someone in the community that can get questions or concerns heard by the mayor or other members of the council.
Ward 4
Name: Robert A. Mueller
Age: 62
Party: Democrat
Occupation: Finished goods ware handler/receiving clerk at Zimmer-Biomet for 41 years.
Why should the residents of Dover vote for you for council? The people of Ward 4 should vote for me because I have always worked hard for their best interests at heart. From the Community Block Grant Programs that put new sidewalks, curbs and roadways into Ward 4 areas of Tin Town West Sixth, Seventh and Center Street and now West Fourth and Fifth Streets near Tuscarawas Avenue. To the just recent removal of former Mayor Homrighausen. I have always supported the upgrades at the Dover Light Plant to give all the residents of Dover safe and low-cost electricity that also provides good union jobs to our fellow Dover residents.
What is the most pressing issue facing Dover, and what would you do to address it? The current most pressing issues facing Dover right now are: 1. the continuing court fights with former Mayor Homrighausen who was convicted of those violations of the law. Homrighausen's cronies still control the mayor's office and as president of city Council. 2. Dover Chemical's lawsuit against the city for not selling electricity to them at a cheaper rate than it costs the city to make it. That was Homrighausen's offer to DCC that council could not and would not go along with. I wish to be reelected to Dover Council to see these issues resolved and to make Dover a better place to live and work in.
Name: Nate Johnson
Age: 43
Party: Republican
Occupation: Regional program manager, educational STEM programs
Why should the residents of Dover vote for you for council? I'm running to serve the local community ‒ using my abilities to connect with council and residents through open and honest dialogue.
What is the most pressing issue facing Dover, and what would you do to address it? Creating trust in our newly elected officials, while having transparency in city government. I will bring genuineness and sincerity on my opinions and views; letting others know where I stand and at the same time making decisions about what's best for Dover collectively.
Reach Jon at 330-364-8415 or at jon.baker@timesreporter.com.
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Three contested races for Dover council this fall
