Tucker looks to lead

SANDUSKY — A lifelong educator believes he's learned a lot in his career to best serve the public in a new role. But he's not going to teach or lecture anyone. Rather, he'll act more like a well-prepared student: listening to his constituents, taking notes, studying up on issues and ensuring preparedness when facing test after test, through casting votes or taking legislation, in making lives better for everyone who values Sandusky. It's among the many promises Tom Tucker's making on the campaign trail. Tucker 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. Q: Who are you? What is your professional background/qualifications for this position? TT: I am a Sandusky resident and have been married for 47 years. I have spent my life in public service for 39 years as an educator; serving as superintendent of Sandusky and Lorain schools; high school principal; band and orchestra director for 24 years; and currently teaching part-time at Cleveland State. I serve on local civic committees: Erie County's alcohol, drug addiction and mental health board, Sandusky Rotary, BGSU Firelands' leadership council, Firelands Symphony Orchestra and others in the past. I believe I can use my experience to understand and work through the issues and challenges with funding, budgets, taxes, and grants. Sandusky is my community, and being responsive to the people you represent has been my practice. Listening, being available to all community members, collaboration and working as a team is crucial to success. Q What is one issue or challenge within the city, and how do you plan to address it? TT: Affordable housing is a concern I heard from many community members while campaigning. The current Sandusky commission has made strides with addressing the challenges. They have hired consultants to work on the Sandusky city housing development accelerator project. Homes have been built and others razed in providing land for more affordable housing. I support the effort to reinvest in new affordable properties. As you drive around the city, we have more work to do. Identifying and funding the projects is an area we need to address. We need to continue the work but expand and further the success as much as possible. Q: What are the main reasons you've decided to run? TT: I have been supportive of the progress over the past decade and wish to see current projects completed and new ones developed. I want to continue the work in the neighborhoods and street improvements. I want to support local businesses and encourage new businesses to start and offer employment for residents. I am open to all ideas and comments. And, if elected, I would regularly meet with community members to listen to their concerns, thoughts and ideas. That is what I have done in the past. My experience/background in government policies and procedures will assist in continuing to move the city ahead. With three of the current commissioners not returning, many years of experience and leadership will not be at the table. If elected as a Sandusky commissioner, this is an opportunity to continue and build on the success. We need to all work together to address the concerns. Q: Why should the community vote for you? TT: Sandusky is one of the best locations to live in Ohio. The progress and improvements over the past decade have been transforming and forward-thinking. The past and current commissioners and leadership have been strategic about the future of the city. They have set a course that many cities can only dream to achieve. I would ask your support to become a city of Sandusky commissioner so, together, we can continue the progress. 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