Candidate Guide - Clearcreek Township Trustee - Troy Holtrey

As you prepare to vote in this year's municipal elections, the Western Star compiled answers from candidates. Here are the responses as provided. All typos and grammar mistakes, if any, are in the original responses.

Headshot provided by candidate

Education: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Lee College in Cleveland, Tennessee, with Minors in Mathematics, Religion, and Computer Science. I hold a Master of Arts in Teaching from Marygrove College, focused on educational leadership and instructional effectiveness. I have also earned Post-Masters Technology Certificates from Fresno Pacific University, reflecting my commitment to innovation, problem-solving, and preparing others for the future.

Current employment: I am in my 35th year at Springboro High School, where I currently teach Personal Finance, ACT Prep, Web Page Design, and Computer Applications. I am the Department Chair of the Unified Arts and have served in this role for over 20 years, leading curriculum development and instructional innovation. In addition, I co-own Holtrey’s Pool Painting, the largest pool painting company in Ohio, where we have served hundreds of customers. This role has given me firsthand experience managing budgets, employees, and business growth. I also continue to serve as Site Manager for all home football and volleyball events, a position I have held for over 25 years. I am also the Head Boys Tennis Coach, which I have been doing since 2018. Previously, I served as the Head Boys Basketball Coach from 1991 to 2012, leading the program for 21 years. From 2008 to 2011, I served as Athletic Director, gaining valuable administrative experience in overseeing all district athletics grades 7-12.

Office Sought: Clearcreek Township Trustee

Why are you the best suited for this position? (150 words)

Clearcreek Township is growing rapidly, and we need trustees who can think ahead while protecting the values that make our community special. I bring decades of leadership in education, athletics, and business. I’ve taught and coached in Springboro for 35 years, served as Athletic Director and Department Chair overseeing multimillion-dollar programs, and co-own Ohio’s largest pool painting company, where I’ve managed employees and budgets successfully. I was twice named Ohio Basketball Coach of the Year and guided Springboro Boys Tennis to statewide recognition. My strength is connecting people — schools, the city, and the township — and finding practical solutions. I will bring accountability, clear communication, and a balanced approach to growth, ensuring tax dollars are used wisely while maintaining safe neighborhoods, strong infrastructure, and family-first values.

What are your top three areas of focus for your position?

I have four top priorities: Safe Neighborhoods — Supporting law enforcement & first responders Fiscal Responsibility — Protecting your tax dollars Strong Infrastructure — Maintaining safe roads, parks, and public spaces Community-First Leadership — Listening to residents and putting families first

What specifically are you going to do for each of your top three topics? (200 words)

Safe Neighborhoods — Making sure police, fire, and EMS are fully supported with the resources they need, while ensuring tax dollars are used wisely. Strong safety services are essential to protecting our families and quality of life. Fiscal Responsibility — As a business owner, Administrator, and Department Chair, I’ve managed budgets and growth for decades. I will review Township spending line-by-line, require clear explanations for major expenditures, and pursue cost-saving partnerships when possible. Strong Infrastructure — Growth is inevitable, but it must not outpace our roads, schools, parks, or safety services. I will advocate for a long-term plan that identifies needs 10–20 years ahead so improvements are proactive, not reactive. Community-First Leadership — Too many residents feel disconnected from trustee decisions. I will expand communication through newsletters, social media, and open forums. As a teacher and coach, clear communication has always been a priority — explaining complex issues simply and listening to families. I will bring that same accessibility to Township leadership so residents never feel “out of the loop.”

If you are an incumbent, what is your best accomplishment?

If you are a challenger, what do you think needs to change from the current situation?

NOTE: He is an challenger.

Clearcreek Township is fortunate to have experienced trustees, but after decades of the same leadership, it’s time for new energy and fresh perspectives. Too often, residents feel disconnected from trustee decisions, and communication is limited. Growth continues, but planning has not kept pace — our roads, parks, and services need a long-term vision, not short-term fixes. Property taxes remain a major concern for families and seniors, and the township must do more to ensure dollars are spent efficiently and transparently. I believe trustees should be accessible, accountable, and proactive in engaging residents. My approach will focus on strengthening communication through newsletters, open forums, and digital platforms, while planning 10–20 years ahead to guide infrastructure, safety, and development. Clearcreek deserves a board that not only maintains stability but also embraces innovation and collaboration to keep our township strong for future generations.

What are your qualifications for this position? (150 words)

I bring a unique mix of experience in education, athletics, and business. I’ve been a teacher in the Springboro Schools for 35 years, currently teaching Personal Finance, ACT Prep, and technology courses, while serving as Department Chair for over 20 years. I’ve managed multimillion-dollar athletic programs as Athletic Director, coached Springboro Boys Basketball for 21 years, and currently lead Boys Tennis, which I’ve guided to statewide recognition. In addition, I co-own Holtrey’s Pool Painting, Ohio’s largest pool painting company, where I’ve managed budgets, growth, and employees for hundreds of projects. My community service includes serving on the Coffman YMCA Board, Springboro Youth Basketball, and co-founding Boro Young Professionals to mentor college students. These roles have taught me to manage budgets, solve problems, and communicate clearly with families, staff, and community members. I’m ready to bring this same leadership to township government.

Property tax is one of the top issues for local residents. What are your thoughts on the current property tax issues? (150 words)

Property taxes are a growing concern for Clearcreek residents, especially seniors and families on fixed incomes. With rising home values, many feel squeezed by increasing bills. As a trustee, I will focus on ensuring every dollar is used wisely and transparently. Clearcreek must avoid wasteful spending and prioritize core services — police, fire, EMS, infrastructure, and parks. Collaboration with the city and county can also stretch taxpayer dollars by sharing resources where possible. I also believe the township should take a stronger role in communicating how tax dollars are spent, so residents understand the value of their investment. My mother lives here on a fixed income, so this issue is personal to me. Trustees have a responsibility to balance growth and services without making Clearcreek unaffordable for the very residents who built this community.

State laws often impact our county and the funding of local project depends on the state budget. What is your relationship with the local state representatives and senator? (100 words)

I have strong relationships with our local state leaders. As a Lebanon High School graduate, my family has known State Senator Steve Wilson for more than 40 years, and I’ve met with him directly for mentoring as I began this campaign. Our family has also known State Representative Scott Lipps for decades—my father was his financial advisor—and Scott and I continue to have regular conversations as I navigate this process. These relationships provide me with trusted guidance and open communication with the people who represent Clearcreek Township in Columbus. I believe in working closely with our state leaders to advocate for infrastructure improvements, fair funding, and policies that support township residents. Having those long-standing personal and professional ties ensures that Clearcreek’s priorities will have a strong voice at the state level.

How have you been involved in the community outside of politics?

I’ve been a proud Springboro resident for more than three decades, and my involvement goes well beyond the classroom. I served on the Board of Directors for the Coffman YMCA, helping expand opportunities for students and families, and have been an active member of Southbrook Christian Church for over 30 years. I coached youth basketball and served on the Springboro Youth Basketball Board, and later served as President and Treasurer of the Southwest Ohio Basketball Coaches Association. Alongside John Emanuel, I co-founded Boro Young Professionals, providing weekly mentorship and financial advice to more than 160 college-age students, mostly Springboro graduates. As a small business owner, I’m also a member of the Springboro Chamber of Commerce, collaborating with local business leaders to support growth and opportunity. These experiences reflect my lifelong commitment to serving families, supporting young people, and building a strong community.

Is there anything else you want the voters to know about you?

My wife, Beth, serves as Springboro Schools’ Director of Secondary Curriculum and Gifted Coordinator, and together we’ve dedicated our careers to education and service in this community. We’ve lived here for thirty-five years, raised our two children in Springboro, and are now proud grandparents of two grandchildren who live in Clearcreek Township. My mother also lives here and, like many residents on a fixed income, it reminds me every day how important it is to keep Clearcreek affordable, safe, and responsive to all generations. I’m honored to be endorsed by the Warren County GOP and proud to also have the support of community members, parents, and small business leaders who know me as a teacher, coach, and business owner. My motivation to serve is deeply personal — I want to make Clearcreek Township a safe, thriving community where families of every generation, from my mother to my grandchildren, can grow and succeed.