WELLER TOWNSHIP — Two incumbents seeking reelection to their seats as Weller Township trustees have a combined 52 years of experience.
Dale Hulit has served as a trustee for the past 40 years, while Jake Stimpert has for 12.
But township voters will also see two other names on the ballot while making their decision in November — Corey Martin and Travis Cantleberry, who are both seeking their first elected positions, respectively.
The two seats up for grabs on the Nov. 4 ballot. Each have a term length of four years, beginning Jan. 1, 2026 and expiring on Dec. 31, 2029. It is a non-partisan race.
Richland Source interviewed each candidate ahead of the upcoming election.
Dale Hulit – Incumbent
Hulit, 64, has spent the past four decades serving as a Weller Township trustee. A Crestview High School graduate, Hulit has lived in the township his whole life.
After high school, he earned an associate’s degree from The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster.
“Other than that, I’ve basically been on the farm and (a) trustee my whole life,” he said.
Along with his 40 years of experience, Hulit said he’s built good relationships with elected officials in Richland County and surrounding townships.
One thing Hulit is particularly proud of is the quality of Weller Township’s roads — which he said rank among the best in the county, as far as township roads.
He said the board has also acted fiscally responsible during his years in office.
“I think I work well with the other trustees. I think they would agree with me on that,” Hulit said.
In his opinion, Hulit said the biggest issue the township is currently facing is managing fire and EMS services. Weller Township contracts with Franklin Township to provide those services, he said.
“We’re happy with that (fire and EMS contract), but things can always be better,” Hulit said.
Jake Stimpert – Incumbent
Though not as long as Hulit, Stimpert, 34, has served 12 years as a Weller Township trustee. He is a Crestview High School graduate.
Since graduating from high school, Stimpert has earned master’s degrees in both business and educational administration — both from Ashland University. He currently teaches and coaches at Ontario Local Schools. He’s also a farmer.
Stimpert is seeking re-election on Nov. 4 because he values the responsibility of managing taxpayers’ money, he said.
“They (township residents) put a lot of trust in me and I’m never going to take that for granted,” Stimpert said. “I’m going to make sure I look after it and make the best decisions with their (taxpayers’) money.”
Stimpert also feels his experience as a trustee and the depth of his education have helped establish strong leadership qualities, he said.
“I’ve gone through a lot of school, but I’ve also put that to work. I’ve utilized my education to make good decisions,” Stimpert said.
Beyond the office work, being a trustee is also about getting out into the community and building relationships with people, he said.
Stimpert said the business side of the township is always something to improve and make for effecient.
“We want to get the most out of taxpayers’ money and we just want to be transparent with our taxpayers and residents and work hard for them,” he said. “We’re the stewards of their money and we want to work hard for them.”
Corey Martin – Challenger
Martin, 36, is seeking his first experience as an elected official. A Crestview High School graduate, Martin has lived in Weller Township his whole life.
He currently runs his own business building and selling beehives and other bee related equipment.
When asked why he put his name on the ballot this year, Martin said it was timing. He’s known for about the past 15 years it was something he wanted to do.
His father, Dave Martin, is currently the road superintendent for the township.
“I was trying to wait until he (Dave Martin) retired, but there’s some things going on in the township that I disagree with as a taxpayer that is paying for it,” Martin said. “I more or less decided this year I was going to run.”
A few things Martin said he’d like to make improvements to is making sure the mowing along township roads is staying up to date and the possibility of adding a second full time position to the road superintendent’s office.
He said his father’s retirement may not be far off and he’d like to make sure a smooth succession plan is in place. Martin would also to like to see an increase the amount of township residents who attend board meetings, he said.
“Right now, nobody comes to the meetings,” he said. “I’ve been going to all the meetings since the end of July.
“I want to encourage that (attending meetings). I’d like to have the community in on it, because it’s their (taxpayer) money.”
Travis Cantleberry – Challenger
Cantleberry, 37, has not previously served as an elected official, but has previously had his name on the ballot for Weller Township trustee.
A Crestview High School graduate, Cantleberry is a volunteer firefighter with the Franklin Township Fire Department. He also serves on the Union Athletic League board and teaches CPR to coaches.
“Weller Township has always been home,” he said. “I live in the same house I grew up in and I take pride in continuing to serve the place that’s given me so much.
“As someone who was raised and built a life here, I’m dedicated to keeping Weller Township a strong, close-knit community for generations to come.”
Cantleberry said he’s seeking a trustee seat because he believes it’s time for a “positive change.” He said it’s the board’s responsibility to ensure every decision reflects the bests interests of Weller Township residents.
“Transparency, accountability and community involvement are key to making that happen,” Cantleberry said. “Every voice deserves to be heard and I’m committed to making sure that happens.”
He encouraged residents to attend township trustee meetings, which take place on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 8 p.m. at the Township House, 3517 SR 545 in Mansfield.
For more information about the Nov. 4 election, visit the Richland County Board of Elections website.
