Candidate Guide - Harlan Township Trustee - Walt Paskins

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: Not provided.

Current employment: Mid-Western Children’s Home

Office Sought: Harlan Township Trustee

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

The past decade I’ve worked in a field that is serving the community. I grew up in pleasant plain, ohio. Besides schooling I’ve been with the community here at pleasant plain for 38 years. In the community I’ve seen anger, frustration, and times were brought together. Every community has its issues, I think commutation and understanding go a long way to find common ground for our community to thrive and always better itself. No matter where there is always room for improvements, and doing so with everyone’s input and concerns.

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

Fire and safety, road maintenance, and zoning

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

The township and fire department needs to come together and find common ground while keeping our residents from overbearing tax hikes, address road maintenance issues like railroad crossings and deteriorating asphalt while staying in budget, make sure our residents are aware of any zoning changes trying to be implemented or passed, as to get them involved to keep it how the community wants. All in which grants can be sought out to try and offset the townships budget to help keep tax dollars in the residents pockets. No one likes tax hikes.

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.

Communication and involvement needs to change for the better.

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

Working as site manager at MWCH I put in way more hours than called for to help get certain maintenance issues taken care of, whether grants or fundraisers to help better the grounds and homes. Being a nonprofit organization it’s always keeping a mindful eye on the budget and what needs to be done to better the lives of children in our care or the Parents taking care of them. The community’s moral is very important.

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

Honestly I think Warren counties tax budget is a mess, I think pressure needs to be put on the state to enforce the laws that help protect against property tax hikes. As township’s trustee getting grants and offsetting the budget, then creating a rainy day fund with money saved from grants or fundraisers. That can help with unseen expenses instead of squeezing the people with tax hikes.

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)

Just like any other tax payer, representation, taxation, and accountability. Staying involved with what’s going on and yes we can all contact and personally impact decisions from them. As a trustee the job becomes more surreal. You now have to stay more involved on behalf of your township.

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

Yes, I’ve personally cleaned up trash on roadways, lending a helping hand to farmers, Food pantries, and supporting fundraising events. Especially those that help our service members.

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

Slate

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

I’m running as a slate, teaming up with anyone would not bring a second pair of eyes or open ears to the community. Having discussions and even different opinions on issues may bring insight to an issue that may be overlooked. Just like a task someone may point out something you missed and make you better to serve.