Schwanger seeks seat

SANDUSKY — A lifelong resident of Sandusky believes he can make a long-lasting difference by serving residents as an elected official. For the second time in four years, Tim Schwanger seeks to become a Sandusky city commissioner. And, after coming up short in 2021, he's hoping for a different result in the fall 2025 election. Schwanger represents one of five candidates seeking to join Sandusky's city commission heading into 2026. In preparation for the upcoming election, the Register has reached out to all city commission candidates so they can share information about themselves and their reasons for running. Here's what Schwanger said: Q: Who are you? What is your professional background/qualifications for this position TS: (I am a) lifelong resident of Sandusky (and a) 1976 graduate of Sandusky High School. I've been following Sandusky city commission decision-making processes for over 35 years. I know the issues and residents' concerns and ideas. I have volunteered on numerous city boards and commissions, most recently the 2025 charter review committee. Q: What is one issue or challenge within your government and, if elected, how do you plan to address it? TS: (It would be) low-to-moderate income assistance for rent and home ownership repairs. Raise the financial assistance cap on exterior home repairs for low-to-moderate income residents as well as financial assistance for rent payments. Q: What's a main reason you've decided to run? TS: I'm a believer in giving back to the community one grows up in. Q: Why should the community vote for you? TS: The city commission is second in line under residents on the city's organizational chart. My phone will always be on to take calls from residents. I'll listen, learn and take action. If I receive an issue (that) the city can fix, I will refer the resident to the proper department head. If the resident doesn't receive an adequate resolution from the specific department, I will step in for follow-up. I know from experience, (by) listening to others, a number of current city decision-makers can't be bothered with residents' concerns and won't return phone calls. Rest assured, I will get involved. City commission roundup In Sandusky city commission's race, five people are competing for three seats: • No incumbents are seeking re-election: Dick Brady and Dennis Murray Jr. can't run because of term limits, and Steve Poggiali won't attempt to win another four years in office. • Five challengers all want to fill these three open seats: Patricia Ferguson, Gregg Peugeot, Tim Schwanger, Tom Tucker and Luvada Wilson. The top three vote-getters win four-year terms starting in January. There are four city commission members — Jeff Krabill, Richard Koonce, Kate Vargo and Dave Waddington — whose seats are not up for election this term. They will continue their duties on the board until their terms expire in 2027. In-schools debate To learn more about each candidate and the issues important to them and the student body, watch the return of this year's in-schools debate series. Sandusky Central Catholic School will host the Sandusky city commission debate on Wednesday, Oct. 22. The public cannot attend this specific debate. Viewers, however, can watch the debate in its entirety at sanduskyregister.com and the Register's YouTube channel shortly after the event concludes. Students representing St. Mary Central Catholic High School will pose questions to the candidates. The in-schools debate series is sponsored by the Greater Sandusky Partnership. Confirmed dates for this year's series: • Edison school board — Sunday, Oct. 12 • Perkins Township trustee — Tuesday, Oct. 14 • Sandusky school board — Wednesday, Oct. 15 • Sandusky city commission — Wednesday, Oct. 22