Voters in the City of Bellefontaine will have the chance to weigh in during Tuesday’s primary election, May 2, to select a Republican candidate for the mayoral race.
Incumbent mayor Ben Stahler is opposed by David A. Crissman in the primary. The winner of that race will face off in the November general election against local attorney Tim Steinhelfer, who is running as a Democrat, for the mayoral seat that would begin in January of 2024.
Because there are no contested races on the Democratic ballot, there will not be a Democratic ballot to choose from in this primary, the Logan County Board of Elections reports.
Crissman is a lifelong Bellefontaine resident and a retired Bellefontaine firefighter/paramedic, who served from 1991 to 2022.
“After serving the community for more than 30 years as a firefighter/paramedic, I want to serve you in a different capacity,” he said via his Facebook page when announcing his candidacy. “I’m looking forward to this change in my life and I will need your help.”
Stahler was appointed to the office of mayor in October 2014. He subsequently was elected to a four-year term in November of 2015 and November of 2019. He said the state of the city is strong and the future looks bright for Bellefontaine.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve as mayor and I’m committed to our future. Having lived here all my life, I’m very proud of our community. Many would agree; Bellefontaine is a very special place. We are a growing and thriving city, yet we maintain our small town feel,” said the incumbent candidate, who previously worked as a pharmacist at Mary Rutan Hospital and CVS Pharmacy for a combined 35 years.
“We have achieved an award-winning status, but that doesn’t happen overnight. I feel that I’m the most experienced candidate to continue on this path. I’ve had voters tell me, ‘If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.’ I happen to agree. Let’s stay on course.”
Previously, Stahler served two terms on Bellefontaine City Council, from 1990-1993; was elected to Bellefontaine Board of Education (four terms, 1996-2008); and was appointed to the Ohio Hi-Point Board of Education (1996-2003) and Logan County Board of Elections (2007–2015).
He is a member and elder at the First United Presbyterian Church of Bellefontaine and a member of the local Rotary Club (39+ years).
In addition to Crissman’s public service, he started, owned and operated Crissman Refinishing Bathtub Repair, beginning in 1988 through 2020.
Also in the community, Crissman served as president of the school board for Calvary Christian School, and is an active member of Calvary Baptist Church, where he has served as deacon.
Both candidates said the experience of meeting residents while campaigning door-to-door around the city has been enjoyable and rewarding.
“If I haven’t been able to talk to you personally, please consider this a knock on your door,” Crissman said.
Stahler said it was “reassuring to hear such positive feedback from our residents.
“Walking door-to-door has been a pleasant experience. People are generally pleased with the changes that have taken place and they enjoy living in Bellefontaine. It feels rewarding when citizens show a real sense of pride in their community.”
Crissman has been married to Marcia (Yoder) Crissman for over 41 years and has two adult sons and a daughter-in-law.
Stahler is married to Sara J. (Crawfis) Stahler and they’ll celebrate 40 years of marriage this summer. They have three adult children and five grandchildren.