The race for Richland County commissioner Republican candiate is down to the wire between three Republicans seeking the nomination on the May 6 primary ballot.
The winner between candidates Marilyn John, Keith Markley and David Morgenstern will run against Democrat Phil Scott for the commissioner position vacated by Commission Ed Olson in November. Voters can learn more about them below.
Marilyn John
Candidate Marilyn John grew up north of Shelby and graduated from Plymouth High School before attending North Central State College and Ashland University, eventually earning her Masters of Business Administration while also working at Shelby Insurance Company. John has volunteered at her church through a mother’s group, served as the Director of the Shelby Senior Center, and eventually became the mayor of Shelby in 2009.
John feels her well-rounded background working in the private, non-profit and public sectors will be an asset should she be elected as commissioner. She said she also brings the ability to build consensus and work as part of a team.
“Being able to pull together a team of people and working very closely with the private sector will help move Richland County forward, and I’ve shown over the last four and a half years that I’m very strong at that,” she said.
John stated that tackling the county budget and staying involved with economic development would bring a myriad of great things to Richland County.
“I think it’s important to partner strongly with our private sector so as commissioners we can create an environment where the business community can thrive, which creates more higher-paying jobs for residents who live here, and also attracts more individuals to live here,” she said.
Keith Markley
Candidate Keith Markley was born in Mansfield and attended The Ohio State University ATI in Wooster before being hired as a firefighter for Madison Township Fire Department. Markley rose through the ranks during his 27-year career, retiring as chief in 2003. He was then appointed as Director of Richland County Emergency Management and Homeland Security, a position he held until announcing his candidacy for commissioner.
“I’m very confident about this, and it’s what I want to do,” said Markley. “I believe going to the commissioner’s office is the next natural step for me.”
Markley feels his experiences have provided a very unique perspective of what a commissioner does, as well as given him an important set of skills.
“My strong points have been coordinating everybody to figure out how to handle an event, whether it’s a large disaster or whether it’s a budgeting crisis,” he said.
Workforce development and emergency preparedness are two issues Markley plans to address should he be elected as commissioner. His plan is to bring higher paying jobs in advanced manufacturing and health care, and putting in place continuity of operations and government plans to lessen the effects of a major event.
Markley’s entire career has been focused on public service in Richland County, a service he has provided with pride.
“Everywhere that I’ve been has come out better when I left, and it’s work that I love to do,” he said.
David Morgenstern
Candidate David Morgenstern graduated from Lexington High School and attended The Ohio State University in Mansfield. He has served the community on the Board of Directors for Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center and as the only private citizen on the Prison Advisory Board of the Richland Correctional Institution.
Whether attending the commissioners’ meetings consistently over the past 10 years or rollerblading more than 8,000 miles on the bike paths of Richland County, Morgenstern feels he is the best private citizen that knows what’s going on in the community.
“I’d want somebody like me being involved in our community and in our county,” he said.
Should he be elected as commissioner, Morgenstern feels more deputies need to be on patrol in Richland County protecting the 65 percent of residents living outside city limits.
“It is unacceptable for a mother to be home alone in the county when her husband is at work and somebody is breaking into their house,” he said. “That’s a major issue with me.”
Reducing property taxes is Morgenstern’s second issue, particularly taxes not voted for among the public. Finally, Morgenstern aims to make Richland County more business-friendly to bring more jobs to the area.
“That’s the key; once people are working other positive things happen,” he said.
Morgenstern emphasized that he is here to represent the people of Richland County without judgment.
“I’m here for the local people, for every 128,000th person that lives in Richland County,” he said.
