Early voting began Wednesday across Ohio, and dozens of Logan County voters were afforded a chance to learn more about their local candidates during a public forum conducted at the Indian Lake Moose Lodge, 11044 Lake St., Lakeview.
A group of six candidates vying for countywide elected office participated in the event, which was staged by the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce and moderated by Stuart Hall, an anchor for Lima-area television news.
Five Logan County elected offices were represented Wednesday, including county commissioner, treasurer, recorder, sheriff and clerk of courts.
Only one of the races highlighted Wednesday is contested. Incumbent Sheriff Randy Dodds is challenged by current Washington Township Police Chief Rick Core.
Each of the candidates was afforded an opportunity to discuss the office they’re vying for, and why they want to hold local elected office. Both sheriff candidates said their law enforcement careers were, “a calling.”
Chief Core discussed his 30 years serving Washington Township, and cited a positive relationship between the department and the community it serves.
“The residents have supported our initiatives,” he said. “Our department has grown substantially, and residents have passed every levy which I think shows their trust that as a department we’ll be good stewards of their tax dollars.”
Sheriff Dodds highlighted the work of the sheriff’s office during his tenure. “I’ve surrounded myself with good people,” he said. “With a budget of approaching $6 million, there’s a lot that goes on at the sheriff’s office to keep pushing the pile forward.”
Last year, sheriff’s deputies and detectives recorded 74 drug cases, and 62 counts of trafficking in drugs that led to 47 indictments, according to LCSO statistics.
Barb McDonald is running for re-election unopposed for the clerk of courts office. Likewise, Pat Myers and Rhonda Stafford both are also unopposed for the offices of recorder and treasurer, respectively.
Mark Robinson is running without opposition to join Paul Benedetti and Joe Antram on the county commission. Robinson will assume a seat left open upon the retirement John Bayliss.