Candidate Guide - Harlan Township Trustee - Marcus Shelton

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: Liberty University, Cincinnati State

Current employment: Harlan Township, Csx Transportation

Office Sought: Harlan Township Trustee

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

As a current Harlan Township Trustee I worked to eliminate the Ohio Estate Tax on our residents at the state level, improved safety for our residents at intersections, improved response times with our Emergency Medical Services, and supported multiple small businesses in Harlan. I have worked to increase the township budget and reduce costs without raising taxes. I have fought against instituting a cemetery tax and a park tax and found ways to continue operating them.

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

Fiscal Responsibility/Accountability, Safety, and Assisting Residents

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

Stay within budget, continue to improve safety, and continue helping residents

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 incumbent.

Incumbent: 4 way stops implemented at 2 dangerous intersections, high speed internet brought to our community, Township website set up with valuable information to our residents, Township meetings are now live streamed for those who cannot attend, I've worked with multiple residents about different concerns or issues,

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

As a current Trustee, I have worked to bring high speed internet to our residents, improved dangerous intersections and roadways, utilized our residents tax dollars responsibly and stayed under budget. Implemented policies, job descriptions, and employee handbooks for accountability with our township employees.

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

Abolish Property Taxes! Institute a sales tax or 1 percent income tax to replace the current system of basically renting your own property from the government. A 1 percent income tax would require everyone to pay, not just property owners while also lowering their financial burden.

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 serve on the Warren County Republican Central Committee and have worked with both Senator Wilson, Former Representative's Ron Maag and Scott Lipps, and current Representative Michelle Teska on issues.

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

I have worked with or associated with the Butlerville Athletic Association, multiple local Churches, the Fort Ancient Restored Machinery club and multiple events outside of politics. I have also volunteered time restoring and cleaning headstones in several of our cemeteries.

Are you running as a slate or as a team with any of the other candidates? (Not required)

No.

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

I appreciate our residents confidence and trust and I am honored to serve my community.