Ontario City Council At-large brings three candidates to the ballot

ONTARIO — Three candidates are vying for votes to be the next at-large council person in Ontario.

The at-large city council seat carries a four-year term and salary of $8,962.92.

Find information for each candidate below, organized alphabetically by last name.

Brennen Matthew Finfgeld

Brennen Finfgeld, 25, is a lifelong Ontario resident and 2019 graduate of Ontario High School.

He works as a supply chain team lead at OhioHealth, overseeing budgeting goals, project management and day-to-day problem-solving.

Finfgeld and his fiancé, Jazmen Taylor, own a home in Ontario and will marry on Oct. 11 after 10 years together.

Though he has not previously held elected office, Finfgeld said observing and learning from local leaders has inspired him to serve.

Finfgeld runs on transparency, safety and support for small businesses

“Ontario deserves strong, transparent, forward-thinking leadership,” he said.

He said the leading edges of his campaign include ethical and fiscal responsibility.

Neighborhood safety, he added, is also a priority, including more vigilant neighborhood watch programs and safe, well-maintained sidewalks.

Finfgeld said his healthcare supply chain career has equipped him to manage budgets, adapt to change and make responsible choices.

Having lived in Ontario his entire life, he said he understands both the city’s strengths and areas for improvement.

He said he wants to build on Ontario’s success by supporting small businesses and helping them thrive.

“My priority to the citizens of Ontario will be to put their needs at the forefront of every decision,” he said. “I am committed to listening to community voices prior to making any choices.”

He pledged to be accessible and focused, working across backgrounds and political lines to find common-sense solutions.

“Ontario is a fantastic place to live, work and raise a family,” he said. “We have a great foundation that can be expanded upon with more collaborative leadership and a fresh perspective.”

Finfgeld is running as a Democratic candidate. You can reach Finfgeld at 567-333-1456.

Richard A. Pauley

Richard Pauley, 61, entered the race after the primary election as a Republican write-in candidate. Voters interested in supporting him will need to ask poll workers for the write-in candidate list, select the write-in option and enter his name.

Experience and local roots shaping his approach

Pauley, now retired, actively serves in local government through the Ontario Planning Commission and the Ontario Community Improvement Corporation.

“This experience will benefit me as I transition into the role of councilman,” he said. “I am honored to serve on both.”

He said he has carefully considered how decisions affect neighbors and the long-term well-being of the city, stating he wants to bring that same fairness and commitment to city council.

Pauley said his long-standing experience in local community serves as a major difference in the race.

He said his knowledge of Ontario’s comprehensive plan and insights into improvements that make the city desirable for businesses, work and residential life give him a unique perspective.

He added being a lifelong resident and raising his family in Ontario provides him with a personal understanding of what makes the community a positive place to live.

“I am excited about the future of Ontario,” Pauley said. “I look forward to continuing to contribute to our city’s growth and success.”

You can reach Pauley at 419-545-3698.

Anderson Roll

Anderson Roll, 19, is 2024 graduate of Shelby High School. He works as a patient support assistant at OhioHealth and is a nursing student at North Central State College, set to graduate in December 2025.

He also serves on the Richland County Republican Central Committee, representing Precinct 2-A, after officials appointed him to fill a vacant seat.

‘Rolling Ontario Forward’ guides his campaign

“I’m running for at-large city council to make our city stronger, more prosperous, and ensure that government truly works for the people,” Roll said.

Running as a Republican, Roll said his ‘Rolling Ontario Forward’ campaign focuses on prosperity, strong communities and responsive government.

His priorities include supporting local businesses, attracting new investment, planning long-term infrastructure improvements and ensuring police and first responders have the resources they need.

“We should look at ways to attract new investments while also supporting the small businesses that are already here and form the backbone of our community,” he said. “Creating an environment where entrepreneurs can grow and thrive.”

Roll said Ontario needs long-term infrastructure planning — not patchwork fixes — to strengthen roads, utilities and public spaces.

“I want to increase transparency, improve communication between city hall and residents, and make sure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely,” he said. “At the end of the day, government should be accountable to the people and I will work to keep it that way.”

At 19, Roll said he represents “a new generation of leadership,” adding that his experience in healthcare and local politics has taught him the importance of hard work, community engagement and practical problem-solving.

“I am honored to represent a new generation stepping forward to serve,” he said. “My commitment is to stand firm for the values that matter most — faith, family and freedom.”

Roll said serving the community is his primary motivation. You can reach Roll at 567-333-0387.

For more information about the Nov. 4 election, visit the Richland County Board of Elections website.