FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP — Voters in Franklin Township will determine which candidates get to fill the two trustee seats on the November general election ballot.
Nestled north of Mansfield and east of Shelby, Franklin Township is one of 18 townships in Richland County.
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.
All candidates running for Franklin Township trustee were given the opportunity to answer the same set of questions during interviews with Richland Source.
John McCarron – Incumbent
John McCarron, 62, is a Crestview High School graduate. McCarron has been a Franklin Township trustee for 30-plus years.
He’s a farmer and also works for J Star Equipment. He is president of the Richland County Township Association.
McCarron said one of the reasons he has continued to seek re-election to his trustee seat is the people he works with — whether that be contractors, engineers or other state and county officials.
“It’s good when you finish projects, the satisfaction that you get knowing that you’ve done something that will benefit your township residents,” McCarron said.
The longtime trustee said the township is looking into a new fire truck and ambulance for the fire department. He said during his tenure, the department began operating full time during daytime hours, seven days a week — an accomplishment he’s particularly proud of.
“I feel good about that, knowing that we stepped that up for our residents,” McCarron said.
No matter the length of service, McCarron said the trustee position is a learning experience. He believes it’s important to have the desire to learn something new every year.
Should he get re-elected to another term, one priority for McCarron is continuing to explore the feasibility of a new fire station.
“If there’s things on the table, I take things pretty serious and I try to take a very humble approach to each situation,” McCarron said of what he brings to the position.
Thanks to his experience, he also has a vast knowledge of the township’s history. McCarron’s grandfather was also a longtime Franklin Township trustee, he said.
“The knowledge of each road and the histories of the properties on those roads have come in handy a lot of times for different projects,” he said. “That knowledge has helped me know a situation better.”
Samuel Sauder – Incumbent
Samuel Sauder, 50, is a 1993 graduate of Lucas High School. Sauder was recently selected as the new chief of the Shelby Fire Department. He will be sworn in Oct. 31.
Sauder has spent the past four years serving as a Franklin Township trustee. He said he is seeking re-election to this particular office to continue serving township residents.
When asked what are the top issues he would address if reelected, Sauder highlighted continued improvements to township roads. He also said he’d like to replace a couple of aging buildings, including a salt/storage shed and the fire station.
Continuing to seek grant funding, along with responsible budgeting, and creating short- and long-term goals for the township are ways Sauder said these issues can be addressed.
“Experience in all aspects of the job, including roads, fire/EMS services, as well as knowledge in budgeting and leadership skills,” are all traits Sauder said he brings to the trustee position.
He has previous experience working as a township road employee and was once the township’s road superintendent. Sauder has served on the township zoning commission and has spent more than 30 years in fire services as a firefighter/EMT, captain and most recently chief.
Sauder is a member of Richland County Regional Planning, an active member of the Richland County Township Association and a member of the Ohio Township Association.
He is also a member and serves on the board at Mission Point Church.
Adam Esbenshade – Challenger
Adam Esbenshade, 41, graduated from Crestview High School in 2003. Four years later, he graduated from the University of Findlay with his Bachelor of Science in Finance.
Esbenshade is the Northeast Ohio Territory Manager for ADS Agriculture. This is the first time he is seeking elected office.
“I am looking to expand my involvement and leadership within the township,” he said.
“Having previously assisted with snow plowing and as a current member of the zoning board of our township, I plan to make a lateral move to build on the success and leadership of the township.”
Esbenshade said he plans to offer fair and sound decision making, as well as making fiscal responsibility the staple that Franklin Township and its residents deserve.
“Being the only candidate that has yet to be elected as a trustee of our township, I bring a fresh perspective and mindset to the issues and matters that come before the township,” he said.
“As an elected trustee for Franklin Township by its residents, I would hold myself and the other elected trustees to a high standard.
“With a fresh perspective, I plan to offer focused decision making that is fair toward the success of the township and our fellow residents.”
Steve Lantz – Challenger
Steve Lantz, 51, graduated from Shelby High School and Pioneer Career and Technology Center in 1993. He is the owner and operator of his own small business, “working hard every day to earn an honest living close to home,” he said.
Lantz has prior experience as a Franklin Township trustee, serving from 2012 to 2016 and again from 2016 to 2020.
“I’m running to continue serving the people of Franklin Township, to look out for our neighbors, make smart use of taxpayer dollars, and keep our township running safely and efficiently,” he said. “My goal is to be a good steward of what we’ve been entrusted with.”
Lantz listed the following items as his top priorities for the township if elected:
- Roads and snow removal
- Drainage and ditch work
- Fire and safety services
“I’ll do my best to make sure these everyday, real-world needs get the attention they deserve,” he said.
Lantz said he is not a politician, he’s a worker.
“I’ve spent my life fixing what’s broken, putting in the hours, and seeing jobs through from start to finish,” he said.
A lifelong Franklin Township resident, Lantz said he believes leadership isn’t about sitting in meetings. He said it’s about showing up, listening to folks and taking action.
“I’m out in the community, talking to people, hearing what they need, and trying to find practical, affordable ways to make things better,” he said. “I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I’ll always do my best to find solutions that make sense for Franklin Township.
“If there’s a problem, I’ll listen. If there’s work to be done, I’ll be there. I can’t promise perfection, but I can promise effort, honesty and a commitment to do the job the right way.”
For more information about the Nov. 4 election, visit the Richland County Board of Elections website.
