Steve Johnson is 'looking to get things done' as he eyes Holmes County commissioner seat

MILLERSBURG − Five Republicans are vying for the Holmes County commissioner seat held by Ray Eyler, who is not seeking reelection after serving four terms.

Facing off in the March 19 primary election for his seat are David Crilow, Holley Johnson, Steve Johnson, Dustin Kaufman and Eric Strouse.

Opposing Republican Joe Miller for his seat is will be Ervin D. Yoder.

The Daily Record will feature each candidate in stories in the next few weeks, beginning with Johnson.

“Holmes county is fortunate to have five willing candidates to compete for county commissioner,” Johnson said. “Last August, I completed the required number of signatures (50) to become one of them."

He said his life experiences have given him a unique perspective of governing, and he said he is "the only candidate who is a veteran with four college degree."

Johnson’s platform is to preserve the county's culture, promote economic activity and prepare for the future.

“When addressing issues, I will consider how they contribute to the county through this lens ‑ preserve, promote or prepare,” he said.

Important issues: New school, high traffic areas

Holmes County is facing several important issues, according to Johnson. He pointed out four elementary schools are closing and relocating to one campus next to West Holmes High School and Middle School.

“What is going to happen to the old schools, which have been staples to those small communities for generations?” he asked. “What are our options? Residents of these towns/villages need to be involved in deciding what is next. Preserve the schools; promote businesses to develop them; prepare them for future development. We need to start thinking about this. I will be involved in this process to help decide which way we go.”

In relation, Johnson has questions about the infrastructure near the new school. He said there will be an influx of traffic as parents who currently transport their children to one of the village schools will now converge at one location, at the same time.

“Is state Route 39 designed for an increase in traffic? Is state Route 754 and state Route 60 prepared for more car traffic,” he said. “If not, let's get with it and prepare for the imminent change.”

Another traffic concern is that which travels through Millersburg, which has been an issue for over 30 years, he said.

“Most complain about the high volume of trucks, but an increasing number of passenger vehicles fill the streets, too,” he said. “The solution to the north/south corridor (state Route 83) is obvious − a bypass.

“It has been talked about in the past to no avail,” Johnson said. “It's time to move forward with a major project that will increase traffic flow through the central travel lane of Holmes County. I have ideas. I call on civilian, county and state engineers to design multiple concepts for the proposed project.”

He suggests starting somewhere south of Holmesville (Township Road 346) all the way to state Route 83/US Route 62. The alternative route would eliminate truck traffic and just-passing-through traffic from the village of Millersburg, Johnson said.

“Yes, it will cost money; probably a lot of money,” he said. “But let's prepare for the future and get on with it.”

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is committed to a roundabout near Berlin, at the intersection of state Route 39/state Route 557. The county is pushing back with extra turn lanes and possibly a stop light.

“My idea of an overpass (small bridge) with an on-ramp and off-ramp was dismissed,” he said. “But it would totally solve the issue, making it more functional for the high volume of traffic at this intersection. Anyway, once one roundabout goes in, you will see more.”

Qualities of a commissioner

Johnson said the qualities he posses that would make him a good candidate include the fact he attends church every Sunday, noting it's not an option. And, he has a biblical worldview, like many of the residents in Holmes County, which hold the truth God is the creator, sustainer and consummator, he said.

“I am considerate, optimistic and hopeful,” he said “I can bring people together and organize things on short notice, as well.

“I like to listen to people and communicate clearly,” Johnson added. “I want to know how they come to a conclusion, and I ask questions for clarification. These qualities make me the best candidate for the position of Holmes County Commissioner.”

Government service includes military, congressional intern

Johnson's government service started in junior high school when he was elected to student council. It continued throughout high school, and he was elected class vice president his senior year.

“My service in real life started following graduation,” he said. “I went into the Air Force and served four years overseas - Iceland and England - and worked in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm."

He went to college in Cincinnati, where he became an intern for US Congressman Steve Chabot (R).

"I helped in the district office and did odds-and-ends. In addition, I volunteered for multiple Republican campaigns where I went door-to-door handing out literature and put up yard signs," he said. "Plus, I attended many campaign rallies and fundraising events where I met and spoke with prominent national politicians.”

While studying to attend law school, he became a substitute school teacher in Cincinnati Public Schools. Initially he was a daily sub, filling in at every grade level at five different schools. Then he was hired full-time at a high school where he taught US government, US history, social issues and AP psychology. He also assisted special needs kids as an intervention specialist.

“Through my affiliation with the Republican Party, in 2008, I was asked to run for state representative,” he said. “I knew right away this is what I'm supposed to do. I campaigned and was endorsed by Ohio Right to Life, Citizens for Community Values and the NRA. However, election night revealed that it wasn't my time ... yet.”

In 2016, he returned to Holmes County and ran for state representative again. This time, only a few hundred votes separated him from victory.

“I feel called to serve in government, at some level,” Johnson said. “Last year, when I learned about two commissioner seats up for election in 2024, I prayed about it then moved forward. I am here by the grace of God. He has something for me to do. Oftentimes God calls the person who is available to carry out His plan. I am able and available.”

Candidate's goals - get things done, move county forward

His goals coincide with the issues he presented previously.

“In short, I am looking to get things done,” he said. “I want to achieve things that move Holmes County forward, big or small. I want every department to have all the tools, technology, resources and equipment to perform their jobs effectively and efficiently.

“I will work with each department to help them get what they need not only for daily operations, but to prepare them for the future,” Johnson said. “Finally, I propose that every county employee receive a pay raise or a one-time bonus. County workers get things done. They maintain the roads, patrol the county, assist the elderly in the county home, serve justice in the courthouse, maintain the libraries, organize and communicate in the administrative offices, and many other thankless jobs that go unnoticed. I recognize you. You are important. You are worthy of a raise or a bonus. Recently, I read the county financial report. There is room to reward the workers for a job well done.”

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Steve Johnson one of five seeking Ray Eyler's seat in Holmes County