Candidate Guide - Wayne Township Trustee - Andrew Jacobs

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: Master's Degree in Business Administration

Current employment: AES Ohio Manager of Metro Line Operations

Office Sought: Wayne Township Trustee

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

I believe that I possess 3 characteristics that all elected officials should have. These are a great work ethic, dedication to my community as a servant leader, and experience. My work ethic began when I worked in the coal mines of West Virigina and I continue to have a strong work ethic on my farm, as a current township trustee, and at my job with AES Ohio. I currently serve the community as a junior high football coach and as President of the Chamber of Commerce. I have gained valuable experience through my management position at AES Ohio and I remain calm when dealing with storm/emergency operations. I am an experienced leader and strong with communication as I train and lead over 50 employees daily.

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

My main areas of focus are: to protect and preserve our rural heritage, continue transparency through video recorded meetings, and be fiscally conservative with taxpayer money.

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

I will continue to vote "no" to dense housing (less than 2-acre properties) to help control the growth within the township and preserve our rural character. I will continue to implement recordings of township meetings by posting on Facebook and YouTube. I will use my experience with maintaining balanced budgets and making responsible financial decisions for the township.

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.

My biggest accomplishment as a Wayne Township Trustee was the removal of our village Planned Unit Development in the zoning code. By removing this code, we preserve the 2-acre minimum lot size requirement to build within the township. As Wayne Township continues to grow, this zoning code will help to control the growth to protect our rural character and keep the charm of Wayne Township!

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

I served on the Zoning Commission, as well as the Board of Zoning Appeals for multiple years. I have been a leader throughout my career as I worked as a foreman in the coal mines, a supervisor in the trucking industry, and in my current role as manager of the metro line operations for AES Ohio. I have been on the Chamber of Commerce for over 4 years and I currently serve as President. I have gained experience with listening to the voices of Wayne Township residents, making decisions for the township, collaborating with the Village of Waynesville and Village of Corwin on joint projects throughout my first term as a Wayne Township Trustee.

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

There is a continued need for residents to have strong public services, such as first responders (fire, EMS, police), road maintenance and improvements. With the increase of prices of daily goods, property taxes are a concern to many in Wayne Township. I would like to see a balanced approach by state legislators to offset the burden of property taxes, while maintaining strong emergency services and proper road maintenance for residents. With my experience, I feel I could be an asset to the township to collaborate with state leaders to create this balance.

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 attended Ohio Township Association meetings with local and county leaders, state representatives, and Ohio senators. These opportunities open lines of communication and allow me to reach out with issues facing Wayne Township. I have experience in researching funding, including using the American Rescue Plan Act to reduce costs for needed EMS equipment and to offset the cost of road improvements. I have collaborated with the Village of Waynesville leaders and supported Ohio Public Works Commission projects to obtain more funding for village projects. My current role at AES has helped me network with multiple elected officials throughout Dayton.

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

I am currently coaching 7th and 8th grade football for Waynesville and I am the current President of the Waynesville Chamber of Commerce. I was the past president of the Waynesville Youth Basketball Association and have coached girls and boys basketball in Waynesville.

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?

I am passionate about serving others, inspiring our youth through coaching, and preserving rural farmland in Wayne Township. As a township trustee and employee of AES Ohio, I enjoy talking to residents and take time to respond to emails and phone calls to address their concerns. Wayne Township and the Village of Waynesville is a wonderful place to live and raise our families. I would love to have the opportunity to continue to serve the residents of Wayne Township for another term to preserve our rural character and continue to make our community stronger.