3 people vying for 2 seats in Groton Twp.

Who's who? This week, the Register is publishing news stories about contested races in various Erie County-based townships: • Today: Groton Township • Tuesday: Margaretta Township • Wednesday: Milan Township • Thursday: Vermilion Township Note: Coverage on the other contested township race, in Perkins, previously received attention, including with a debate this past week. GROTON TWP. — In Groton Township, three people seek two open township trustee seats. The top two vote-getters in this race each receive four-year terms, starting in January. Incumbents Renee Schoen and Dennis Schreiner seek re-election. The lone challenger, Lindsey Ann Rayle, seeks to win a seat from one of them. All three spoke about who they are, what they stand for and why locals should support them on the Nov. 4 ballot: Q: Who are you? • Rayle: I have lived in Groton Township my entire life. In 2019, I earned my bachelor's of science in social work from Bowling Green State University. I may not have a professional background in one specific area, but I have always been good at talking to people and understanding what they mean. My social work skills help me to be a good problem solver and a good advocate for people of varying needs. • Schoen: I am currently a Groton Township trustee and have served for the last four years. I am also a lifelong and fourth-generation township resident. I graduated from Bellevue High School and then earned my bachelor degree in business administration from the University of Toledo. I have been an office manager for over 30 years for two local businesses, one of which was an agricultural business in our township. I am also a small business owner, which has allowed me to grow my knowledge, experience and connections in our community. • Schreiner: I am Dennis Schreiner, a retired engineer and 32-year township resident. Q: What is one issue or challenge within your government, and how do you plan to address it? • Rayle: Our biggest issue at the moment is the emergency services for our community. With the uncertainty surrounding North Central EMS, there is a need to come up with a solution if they were to no longer be an option. I would love to be able to collaborate with the other trustees as well as neighboring townships to find a solution that benefits the entire area whether that be finding additional funding to support North Central or building an entire new ambulance district. • Schoen: One issue and challenge in our township is providing necessary services to our residents while making the best financial decision. Some of these services include road maintenance, fire and EMS. We are currently in negotiations to continue to provide Groton Township with EMS service with improved response times and proper care with each call. EMS is an essential service, and we need to make sure that our residents have the best care available. • Schreiner: The biggest issue facing our township is that of high property taxes. The township has a number of retired or older residents who need relief from the dramatically increased taxes we saw this last year. I am an active participant in the issues being sponsored by Serving Our Seniors. I work with the county commissioners in order to seek solutions to these complex tax issues. My relationship with our state representative and senator keeps me apprised of the latest workings within the Ohio legislature with respect to property taxes. Q: What are the main reasons you've decided to run? • Rayle: The biggest reason is that I want to give back to the community I have called home for so many years. It's time for the younger generations to start becoming leaders in our communities, especially while we still have the current leaders to teach us. I've always wanted to help my neighbors in any way I can, and having the opportunity to be a trustee would allow me to become even more effective in that aspect. • Schoen: I am proud of all that has been accomplished over the last four years. We now have a new salt hoop house, new cold storage building, new roadside mower, new upgraded website, (handicap accessible) updates, fiber optic internet, (a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system), security and fire detection systems upgrades to the township complex. Upkeep and maintenance to our township roads and Deyo Cemetery have also been ongoing. I have decided to run for Groton Township trustee again because I want to continue with the improvements in our township for the next four years. • Schreiner: I believe I've had four very successful years as a township trustee in addressing township finances, the expenditures of the COVID funds and zoning issues. Q: Why should people vote for you? • Rayle: I want to give a voice to those who feel as though they have none. My hope is that I can become the person that people go to when they have an issue and know that it will be addressed to the best of my ability. And if I cannot fix it, I can find someone who can be more effective. I love this township, and I want it to become an even better place to call home. • Schoen: A vote for me is a vote for a trustee that will make sound and fiscally responsible decisions for the entire township. The last four years have allowed me to learn about our local government and how it operates. With this experience and my business background, it gives me the knowledge needed to effectively continue to serve all residents as a Groton Township trustee. • Schreiner: The reason I believe the community should support me is because we have completed some very successful projects. I am very approachable and, because of my background, I have lots of technical knowledge in the kinds of activities that the township deals with on a day-to-day basis.