Voters Guide: Madison County Commissioner

• Michael K. Boerger (Republican)

Mike Boerger

Occupation: Self-employed grain farmer, 1,800-acre farm

Previous service as public official: Pike Township trustee 14 years, currently serving. Madison County Township Association 14 years, president seven years, vice president one year, current president. Madison County Regional Planning Commission 13 years, president three years, vice president nine years, current president. Current member, Madison County CHIP Advisory Committee. Current member, Madison County Local Emergency Management Planning Committee. Current member, Madison County Terrorism Task Force. Current member, North Central Solid Waste Management District Policy Committee. Current member, Ohio Public Works Commission, District 11.

Education: Graduate of Fairbanks High School and Morehead State University

Community activities/honors: Past co-chair and spokesman, Citizens Against Refuge Proposal. Past member, Darby Creek Watershed Steering Committee. Current member, past president, Champaign Premium Grain Growers. Current member, past president, vice president, secretary and treasurer, Milford Center Lions Club. Current member, past board member, Madison County Farm Bureau. Member, Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Endorsed by the Madison County Republican Party for County Commissioner.

Major issues in this election? It is clear that our neighboring counties could have an influence on the future of Madison County. I want to develop and maintain proactive tools that Madison County can use, ensuring that the people of Madison County will have the final say in how Madison County looks in the future while maintaining the autonomy of our county.

We also need to promote the agricultural industry of Madison County while bringing more business and business activity to our villages and cities.

I’m interested in running county government in a responsible and ethical manner with efficient facilities and services for its employees and our citizens.

• Tom Buscemi (Democrat)

Address: 34 Mill Rd., West Jefferson

Occupation: Owner, Ann & Tony’s Restaurant

Previous service as public official: I served as Union County director of Delaware, Madison, Union Community Action Program in Marysville, 1969-1972.

Education: Elementary school in West Jefferson. High school at Newburgh, N.Y. College at Ohio State, graduating in 1963.

Community activities/honors: For the past 30 years, my community activities have been as a supporter of the schools, businesses and churches of the county. As owner of Ann & Tony’s, I have sponsored and provided fundraisers for the fire departments, various athletic programs, civic organizations, many different school activities and law enforcement agencies.

Major issues in this election: I would address zoning issues as they relate to preservation of farmlands, our economic climate and availability of jobs. The county must grow but we want well-planned, controlled growth. We want a county that offers a good place to raise families. I would continue to welcome a mix of industries and businesses. New commercial activity must be in keeping with our growth plans and environmental protection.

My goal would be to secure job opportunities in the county that would employ our next generation. Our children should have the option to find employment in their county.

• Mark A. Forrest (Republican)

Mark Forrest

Occupation: Farmer and township trustee

Previous service as public official: I was elected to my first term in 1990 as a township trustee. I am currently serving my fifth term as a Jefferson Township trustee and have served as board chairman multiple times during those five terms. During the span of my political career, I have been privileged to serve on many county boards and committees.

Education: I am a 1975 graduate from West Jefferson High School and a certified member of the National Forage Testing Association through the University of California.

Community activities/honors: Owned and operated Forrest Auto Parts for over 21 years. I served all townships in Madison County including the private sector, local businesses, school systems and state agencies. My family and I are members of Zion Lutheran Church in West Jefferson, served on Jefferson Local School Advisory Council, involvement with Fairhaven School, chaired Township Association Health Department Board Member Selection Committee, and received certification of recognition for ODOT Professional Road Condition Spotter.

Major issues in this election: With the impending building of mega dairies, land-use regulations and permits must be closely reviewed. Land-use changes, which make way for industrial growth in Madison County, following the comprehensive plan and zoning regulations must be strictly adhered to. I feel great strides could also be made with a Community Improvement Corporation (CIC). Health and safety are also a great concern for the community. The Sheriff and Health Department provide many outstanding services for the county. Continued support of these and all departments of the county must continue to be a priority. Lastly, a balanced budget is a must.

• Charlie M. Miller (Republican)

Address: 331 W. Pearl St., West Jefferson

Occupation: Retired

Previous service as public official: Mayor, West Jefferson, 18-plus years. West Jefferson council six years.

Education and/or military experience: West Jefferson High School, Class of 1954. Military schools. Veteran Korean War Era, Desert Storm. Served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. Retired in 1996 with 25 years service.

Community activities/honors: Member of the American Legion. Charter member of the Madison County and West Jefferson Historical societies. President and vice president, West Jefferson Alumni Assn. Chairman, West Jefferson Bicentennial Committee. Air Force Commendation and Air Force Achievement medals. Winner of the 1989 and 1992 Stanley Works World Wide Community Service award, Community Builders award from Madison Lodge 221 F&AM and from the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio.

Major issues in this election: 1. Keeping the rural flavor of Madison County while balancing it with commercial development. 2. Finding the money to provided necessary services and improvements. 3. Working with and communication with the other entities in the county.

• John J. Stahl (Republican)

John Stahl

Occupation: Ohio Processors

Previous service as public official: As a member of London City Council. I am currently serving my 10th two-year term.

Education/military experience: Bachelor of Science in business administration. Franklin University.

Community activities/honors: Prior board member, Madison Emergency Medical District. Madison County Regional Planning Commission, 12 years. Madison Conservation Foundation board of directors; served as vice chair and chairman. Madison County Agricultural Society (fair board) over 10 years. Prior 4-H advisor for 30 years. London Strawberry Festival chairman. Vice chairman, Ohio Festivals and Events Association. Provided legislation for London Tree Commission and Landscape Commission. Board member, London 2011 Committee. Co-chair, Historical Preservation Committee, which had London listed on National Register of Historic Places.

Major issues in this election: As a lifelong resident of Madison County, I care about the need to plan for growth, as well as protect our agricultural heritage. We need leadership that anticipates problems and doesn’t let problems dictate our priorities.

I will be your full-time commissioner, responsive to your concerns. I will keep growth in and around the cities and villages and defend our land and waterways.

Another priority is control of the general fund budget. Maintaining a steady financial picture can be difficult in these trying times.

Helping small business is a big concern. Retention and expansion is a major source of jobs. Working with the Chamber of Commerce would be an excellent way to do this.

Madison County Commissioner

(Term begins Jan. 3, 2009)

• Chris Snyder (Republican)

Chris Snyder

Occupation: Madison County commissioner. Firefighter/paramedic – captain, Prairie Township Fire Department.

Previous service as public official: Jefferson Township trustee, Madison County, 1988-2000. Madison County commissioner, 2001-present.

Education/military experience: Graduate Jefferson Local Schools.

Community activities/honors: Madison Lodge F&AM 221, Auxiliary member VFW Post 7005. Madison County Historical Society. Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Madison County Farm Bureau. County Commissioners Association of Ohio. Madison County and Ohio Township Associations.