The Whistle Stop Cafe in Galion hosted a “blitz,” in which local and regional political candidates attended to meet and greet community members. In attendance was State Representative Jeff McClain, County Auditor candidate Joan Wolfe, Judge Sean Leuthold, Galion Mayor Tom O’Leary and other local officials.
The event was organized by Mike Bear, who said he wanted to organize this event to allow candidates to show their faces to the Galion community, and to organize efforts to spread awareness of Sean Leuthold’s candidacy for Crawford County Court of Common Pleas.
“It is always a challenge to meet the candidates in smaller communities. There is a lot of information that follows a candidate, so this really gives people the chance to get to know them a little,” said Bear.
McClain saw the “blitz” as an opportunity to be available to citizens. “I have about 13,000 miles put on my car this year already and they’re all from this district (Wyandot, Crawford and Morrow counties and parts of Marion and Seneca counties). Being so available is key in this district because it is mostly rural,” stated McClain.
McClain hopes to continue the work he has done as State Representative, which is lowering income taxes and helping people in need. He has pushed three bills through the House, which he plans on continuing as well. He also said he will continue being a disciple of Christ.
“I am a believer, a disciple. So by definition I am to help people. I believe it (being a Christian) makes me a better representative [in the House],” said McClain. “The only one I’m worried about what he thinks of me is him,” added McClain as he pointed up with his finger.
Prior to being in the House of Representatives, McClain was the Wyandot County Auditor for 26 years.
Wolfe looks to continue her political future as the Crawford County Auditor. For 27 years she was learning the appraisal process, along with taxation.
“It isn’t an easy office. Everything we do is by the Ohio Revised Code. Any money that comes from county, goes through me essentially. So it’s not something learned quickly,” said Wolfe.
Wolfe said her passion is taxes and customer service. “I love how it all works,” she said. “If I don’t do my job right, people don’t get their money,” she added.
Leuthold is currently a judge at the Crawford County Municipal Court, but is running for office at Crawford County Court of Common Pleas.
“The most important issue that I want to tackle is the drug and crime problem in this area, specifically the opiates and heroin. That’s a widespread problem,” said Leuthold.
Leuthold said he first wanted to be judge when he realized that his hometown began to change.
“I wanted to be a lawyer as a kid. But then I saw our community change. It became violent, so I decided I would do what I could to help deal with that,” explain Leuthold. He said the people of Crawford County deserve to be an equal partner in the justice system, which he will keep maintaining as judge at the Crawford County Court of Common Pleas.
The Mayor of Galion also has a strong desire to help his community.
“It is a lot of responsibility [being a mayor.] I feel like I’m always on the job. That used to be stressful in my other job, but I don’t let it stress me anymore. I feel really engaged with the community, and that’s a good thing,” said Mayor O’Leary.
He said he supported the “blitz” at the Whistle Stop Cafe because he hoped it would inspire young people to get involved in helping their community through the loca government.
“If you feel a desire to help your community, do it; get involved early and stay involved. This (the “blitz) was a great idea for off year elections. Pushing awareness is a challenge,” said O’Leary.
For more information on the candidates present at the Whistle Stop Cafe’s “blitz” in Galion, visit their websites, which are listed below with each candidate’s name.
State Representative Jeff McClain: Click here.
Joan Wolfe: Click here.
Judge Sean Leuthold: Click here.
