Waddington seeks to still serve

SANDUSKY — Even though he retired from powerlifting, Dave Waddington maintains a strong mindset to continue serving his hometown. Amid his 16th year, or fourth term, in office, the lifelong resident and 1972 Sandusky High School graduate seeks four more years as a city commissioner. If he wins a fifth term, Waddington would represent the longest-tenured commissioner in recent memory. Waddington first served on commission for two terms over eight years, from 2004 to 2011. He then sat out for four years because of statutory term limits before winning back-to-back four-year terms, which started in 2016 and then in 2020. "I feel good. I enjoy it. This is like the last hoorah for me. It's just an exciting time right now," Waddington said. Waddington, a retired Sandusky Schools custodian for 24 years who is also a former powerlifter and competed in the World's Strongest Man finals, grew up in Sandusky in the 1960s. In the following years, he watched the city's descent, which inspired him to initially run for office. He now takes pride in its restored glory. "The first time I ran, it was always problematic as far as financing or money in the city. I always joke around with some of my fellow commissioners: 'We threw nickels around like manhole covers,'" Waddington said. "It's nice to have some money today." Known for his citywide cleanups — for 20 years, he has overseen 200-plus events removing litter, debris, garbage and other unsightly materials from parks, neighborhoods and the waterfront — Waddington also supported transcendent legislation advancing Sandsuky's growth in recent times. This would include: • Committing millions of dollars to smooth out dozens of the city's roughest roads; Many of these streets had not seen improvements in decades. • Overseeing plans to strengthen neighborhoods, including the South Side • Backing housing programs to improve the quality of life for perspective, existing and new residents • Supporting grant programs, tax deals and other financial packages to build up downtown with businessesProviding recreational opportunities for youth If re-elected, he plans to focus on jobs. "Strong retention is critical," said Waddington, noting it's imperative to sustain Sandusky's renaissance. Waddington, presently the longest-serving commissioner, serves as the commission's liaison to Sandusky's zoning appeals, recreation and tree boards. He hopes to continue in these capacities for one more term. "I've always been, I guess you'd say, the voice or the ears for the working class in the community," Waddington said. "The whole flavor of the community has really turned around. And I really feel like as Sandusky goes, the whole county goes. It's just an exciting time." Commission context This fall, there are four commission seats up for grabs. The commissioners with terms expiring at year's end are Meinzer, Dave Waddington, Blake Harris and Wes Poole. Poole cannot run again due to term limits. Each seat carries a four-year term that starts in January. Other candidates publicly expressing interest, to date, are Kate Vargo and Susan Zeier. Commissions must file petitions to run for office by Aug. 9 to ensure eligibility for November's election. Terms for the three other sitting commissioners — Dick Brady, Dennis Murray Jr. and Steve Poggiali — do not expire until December 2025.