Former officer seeks trustee's seat

A primer on Perkins candidates • Today — Jim Ommert • Thursday — Alexis Koch • Friday — Diane Schaefer • Monday — Jeff Ferrell Editor's note: All four Perkins Township candidates — trustee Jeff Ferrell and his challenger, Jim Ommert, along with fiscal officer Diane Schaefer and her challenge, Alexis Koch — are scheduled to attend a debate on Oct. 11 at Perkins High School. Following the debate, it will be available on the Register's YouTube channel. PERKINS TWP. — Simply put, Jim Ommert seeks a political office to provide a change of direction in his community. "We have the highest property taxes of any township, by far, and have seen substantial increases under the leadership of my opponent," Ommert said. "My goal, as trustee, will be to provide fiscally responsible leadership that allows taxpayers to keep as much of their hard-earned dollar as possible." Ommert referenced his challenger, incumbent Jeff Ferrell, in the two-man race vying for one Perkins Township trustee seat. The candidate receiving more votes on Nov. 7, Election Day, receives a four-year term, which starts in 2024. That person will also serve alongside officeholders Tim Coleman and Jim Lang. Their terms don't expire for another two years. Background A born-and-raised Perkins resident, Ommert spent his entire life — other than three years while in the military — living in the township. Along with his wife, Sarah, they raised their three children and "care deeply about the future of Perkins Township," Ommert said. Many locals know Ommert as a longtime police officer, serving Sandusky's department for 31 years. "I know firsthand that the most important function of local government is to provide strong safety services," he said. Reasons why he's running Ommert listed his top three issues and, if elected, how he'll go about achieving each: • Bring fiscal responsibility to the township — "Our budget has expanded greatly in the last several years as have our property tax rates. There will be no greater priority for me than to ensure our residents are not overtaxed and that we are spending taxpayer dollars responsibly." • Get locals more involved in government — "It's vitally important that our elected leaders make decisions that are informed by the input of their constituents. To do that, our citizens need to be encouraged to get involved and understand how the government impacts their lives." • Look at zoning and code enforcement — "One of the biggest complaints I hear, speaking to voters, is a belief that the township over-regulates private property. Additionally, reasonable time periods for repairs and updating should be allowed before issuing citations and/or condemning a property and demolishing the same at the expense of the owners." For these reasons and others, Ommert believes he's the ideal candidate. "We need a change in vision and direction," Ommert said. "We have had the same individuals and families oversee our government for decades, and we need change. I will bring a different point of view that seeks to make our government more efficient and effective." Ommert then made a plea for why township residents should vote for him. "I served our country in the military and our community in law enforcement because I care deeply about our future," he said. "I want Perkins Township to be able to provide the same quality of life to future generations as I have been blessed to have throughout my life."