Peugeot promises to improve locals' lives

SANDUSKY — An accomplished high school and college football player, Gregg Peugeot recently called an audible in life, deciding to run for public office this fall. And his goal, whether on the playing field back then or as a city resident today, remains the same: achieve forward progress so his present-day team — consisting of Sandusky's constituents and stakeholders — can score, celebrate and win in all public aspects. Peugeot, whose post-football professional background consists of legal work and health care advocacy, wants to add city commissioner onto his resume. He 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 he said: Q: Who are you? What is your professional background/qualifications for this position? GP: I am a husband, father and son. My wife, Sarah, and I grew up in Sandusky. She graduated from Sandusky High in 1995, and I graduated from Sandusky High in 1996. Following in the footsteps of my father and brother, I decided to go to college and major in education. I accepted a football scholarship at the University of Akron, graduating in 2000. I then attended law school, graduating in 2003. In the years following, I joined a law firm in Akron and worked my way up to partner. Sarah and I decided to return home to Sandusky in 2017 to be closer to our family. Currently, I am the vice president of hospital claims at Berkley Healthcare. My 22 years as an attorney and health care advocate will be an asset to the commission. Q: What is one issue or challenge within the city, and how do you plan to address it? GP: One issue that stands out is the lack of affordable housing. The Welcome Home Ohio program is a great start to solving the affordable housing issue. I plan to continue the work with Welcome Home Ohio while using the valuable experience and exposure I have received on the city of Sandusky's board of zoning appeals and the Firelands Habitat for Humanity's board of directors. The board of zoning Appeals recently approved a variance for a new affordable apartment complex in the city to make it easier for the companies who are willing to build affordable housing to do business and create homes in our city. We need to keep looking for more opportunities and make the changes across all types of housing for everyone who wants to call Sandusky their home. Q: What are the main reasons you've decided to run? GP: Sandusky is a special place that is currently going through a momentous resurgence. I want to continue the progress of building a thriving city where all residents can live comfortably, find fulfilling careers and enjoy its unique assets. As an active community member, I have been talking with residents across the entire city and feel I can help address their concerns. I aim to represent the people, listen to their feedback and develop strong relationships with local leaders and organizations. Q: Why should the community vote for you? GP: A vote for me is a vote for a better, safer and more affordable Sandusky. 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