MANSFIELD — One of the more hotly contested local races in the upcoming election on Nov. 6 is at the county level, with a commissioner seat up for grabs.
Richland County Commissioner Marilyn John is up for reelection this year, after first being elected to the position in 2015. Prior to that, John served as mayor of Shelby.
Running against John is Democrat Rebecca Hergatt, a registered nurse most recently in the home health field. Hergatt has also served as a Crestview Local Schools board member.
Richland Source asked four nearly identical questions of each candidate via email, asking that each candidate limit their answers to three to five sentences. Here are their responses, lightly edited for style:
1. Why do you want to keep your position as county commissioner?
Marilyn John: Serving as a Richland County Commissioner over the past three and a half years has been an honor. Whether it’s representing you by testifying in front of the Senate of the State of Ohio, working to improve customer service in the Building Codes Department, or partnering with our cities, villages and townships to improve government collaboration, I have worked to represent our residents to the best of my abilities. I believe we have great potential in Richland County and look forward to continuing to serve my community.
1. Why do you want to be a county commissioner?
Rebecca Hergatt: For the only reason you should undertake anything; because you love something. I love Richland County. I was born here and I plan on dying here, but I lived away from north central Ohio long enough to know how special it is and how much it has to offer. It would be an honor to promote it, protect it and plan for its future.
2. What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the county right now?
Marilyn John: Talent development and filling workforce needs has become challenging for many businesses throughout our county, state and country. Forming a strong partnership between the county and the economic development entities has been an important step forward in responding to the workforce needs of our business community. Through my leadership, the Board of Commissioners now supports the efforts of the economic development entities for the betterment of Richland County.
Rebecca Hergatt: The health of our county seat, Mansfield, is to me one of the biggest challenges to our county. No disrespect to the great work being done in the other cities and villages of the county, but Mansfield is the largest metropolitan area for 50 miles in any direction. Out of 246 Ohio cities, Mansfield is in the bottom 10% in terms of child poverty with nearly 40% of children living below the poverty level. Even if you never come to Mansfield, if you live in this county, its health affects your property values and the opportunities available to your children and grandchildren. Mansfield can either be an anchor or an albatross.
3. Looking back over your three years in office, what accomplishment are you most proud of?
Marilyn John: Financial stability within local government is important in order to grow the economy, provide adequate infrastructure and establish community confidence and pride. Over the past 4 years, we have completed critical maintenance projects, built a stronger carryover, and established a budget stabilization fund. Through conservative fiscal policies, we have improved the financial rating for Richland County from B+ with a negative outlook to A+ with a positive outlook which is important to our success moving forward.
3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Rebecca Hergatt: I really can’t narrow this down to one. Serving on the school board of an award-winning school district (Crestview) was very satisfying, especially because we were paying down building debt and saving the residents money at the same time. My involvement with the Wellness program at Dayspring has been a personal joy, as we engaged in a cultural change to make it cool to make good health choices. Finally, being a part of our family business, Hergatt Machine, Inc., especially navigating through economic downturns, has been a satisfying, challenging and educational experience.
4. What are you most optimistic about the future of Richland County?
Marilyn John: It is exciting to see so many young people stepping into leadership roles and being able to share their ideas and dreams for their communities. Moving a community forward requires many hands and feet, many different talents and energy. Working together to make Richland County an even greater place to live, work and play is inspiring and makes me optimistic for our future.
Rebecca Hergatt: Aside from the natural resources, beauty, pace and lower cost of living, which are obvious advantages here, what makes me the most optimistic (about our county) is the people I have met during the campaign this year that are working every day to maintain and improve our area. From those involved in the revitalization of Mansfield to those working to protect green spaces and farmland, I have met many sharp people who care deeply and have a vision of what we can leave behind for those who come after us.
