Koonce commits to commission race

SANDUSKY — A local teacher and advocate hopes to bring his experience to Sandusky's city commission when voters go to the polls in November. For years, Richard Koonce — who today serves as a college and career readiness coach at Sandusky High School — has dedicated his time in Sandusky to the development of the city's youth. And now, he's entered the competitive and crowded race for city commission. "I like much of what I see going on with revitalization, like turning Jackson Street Pier into a place that families can enjoy," Koonce said. "I just think we can do some other things as well. I'm wondering whether or not I can be that voice to bring those things to fruition." Koonce, a 1978 Sandusky High School graduate, who later served three years on the Sandusky Schools board of education, recently submitted the required signatures to officially enter the race. If elected, Koonce pointed to his background as an educator and coach as his main motivators to accomplish his goals as commissioner. "I'm really just continuing on the path that I started: to serve the children and families who live here in Sandusky," said Koonce, who's also the former coach of Sandusky's girls varsity basketball team. Koonce believes his background can help him as an elected official. He served in the U.S. Air Force and possesses several educational degrees: a bachelor's in journalism, a master's in communication and urban studies and a doctorate in communication studies. Through his education and experience, Koonce learned transferrable skills, such as critical thinking and listening, he believes can help him succeed as a city commissioner. "I didn't spend all that time and not learn how to really, really think critically," Koonce said. "I learn much more by listening and then discerning. I plan to bring that same kind of thinking to the city commission." While serving on the school board, many credit Koonce as an influential individual in the: • Hiring of former Sandusky Schools superintendent Eugene Sanders • Delivering enhanced resources to pre-K and elementary-aged students • Purchasing and selling three former buildings that were converted into new-use facilities for children "If I say what my agenda is, (and) if I say where my heart is and what I'm going to do, that's what I'm going to put my energy into," Koonce said. "If it hasn't been done yet, I expect people to hold me accountable." Koonce's top platforms revolve around housing. If elected, he would prioritize holding owners of rental properties accountable while maintaining affordable rent for residents. He's also focused on assisting the working class who call Sandusky home. Additionally, Koonce wants to establish a greater relationship between Sanduksy's school board and city commissioners. "I'm going to try to bring up issues and ask questions that may not have been asked if I wasn't in the room," Koonce said. "I'll then advocate and fight for folks who believe that there are things we should be doing that we didn't think about." Commissioner context This fall, there are four commission seats up for grabs. Commissioners with terms expiring at year's end: Blake Harris, Mike Meinzer, Dave Waddington and Wes Poole. Poole cannot run again due to term limits. Each seat carries a four-year term beginning in January. Other candidates expressing interest, to date, are Kate Vargo, Susan Zeier, Dave Waddington, Mike Meinzer, Blake Harris, Helen Thompson and Jeff Krabill. Commissions must file petitions to run for office by Aug. 9. Terms for the three other sitting commissioners — Dick Brady, Dennis Murray Jr. and Steve Poggiali — do not expire until December 2025.