Candidate Guide - Massie Township Trustee - Darrell McKinney

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: Some college and vocational technical school

Current employment: Owner Transel Corporation/ Hopkins Motors and Founder and Director of Found by Faith Food Pantry 501c3

Office Sought: Massie Township Trustee

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

I’ve always approached decisions with humility and focus on what is best for the majority. While it’s impossible to make everyone happy, every choice I make is with the goal of serving the best interests of our entire township. As a lifelong resident and small business owner here in Massie Township, I remain committed, available, and invested in the well-being of our community. Family is the foundation of who I am and what I believe in. I have experience in contract negotiations and I work daily with the community and do outreach programs to help others. I have served on village council in Harveysburg during the negotiations to get city water in the mid 80's and for the past 16 years a Massie Township Trustee. I truly believe Massie Township is a special place—a community of people who care for family, friends, and neighbors.

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

24 hour coverage Fire and EMS Department. Keep our Community Rural. Community Development.

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

Building a stronger Fire and EMS Department with the help of our Fire Chief by expanding our coverage times since we are volunteer department daytime hours are hard to cover. Continue to make sure we keep our community as rural as possible since we are mainly a farming community and would like that to continue for our kids and grandchildren into the future. Working more with the community with various outreach programs to get everyone involved in community development.

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.

The best accomplishment during my time as a Trustee is working with the Fire Chief and seeing the Fire Department grow into a family that are involved with the community. We have to work with a minimal budget, but I feel through the last few years that we have built this into a fully operational Department anyone would be proud of. It shows the dedication that is required to succeed and that is very important to me.

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

I am a lifelong resident of this great community, and my background has been in managing companies and people to work together as one. I have budget and negotiating experience setting up both my own companies and managing other companies. I founded a Found by Faith food pantry in our community that serves enough food for over 44,000 meals a year. I work closely with our local School District with the food pantry and backpack programs at their location.

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

I feel here in Warren County that taxes are higher than some other areas, but I also feel the County works well with the Townships and supports them. Our property tax maintains very good roadways and a beautiful community to live. Like everyone I would love to pay less for taxes of any type, but the reality is we chose this area for a reason, and it costs money to maintain and keep that quality of environmental living.

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)

We work hand in hand with the state legislators. They are always available for any questions or concerns that we may have. There is always room for improvement in any relationship but overall, I feel we all work together.

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

We purchased and restored the church on South Street located in Harveysburg, now home to the Found by Faith Food Pantry. With the help of my entire family and community volunteers, we’ve been blessed to supply food for over 44,000 meals in the past year, as well as support the Backpack Program for children in need at Clinton Massie Schools. Serving others through this work has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I truly believe Massie Township is a special place—a community of people who care for family, friends, and neighbors. I’ve traveled across the country and know firsthand how fortunate we are to call this home. Representing our township is not only an honor but a responsibility I take to heart.

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

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

One of the greatest rights we have as Americans is the right to VOTE. If you choose to support me again, please know your vote will be deeply appreciated, and I will continue to serve you—the people of Massie Township—to the very best of my ability. Thank you for your support!!!