4 people vying for 2 seats in Margaretta Twp.

Who's who? This week, the Register is publishing news stories about contested races in various Erie County-based townships: • Monday: Groton Township • Today: 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. MARGARETTA TWP. — In Margaretta Township, four people seek two open township trustee seats. The top two vote-getters in this race each receive four-year terms, starting in January. Incumbent Gary Pooch seeks re-election. The three challengers — Diane Keegan, Gary Pooch, Johnathan Schaeffer and Mark Stacy — all want to win a seat as well. All four spoke about who they are, what they stand for and why locals should support them on the Nov. 4 ballot: Q: Who are you? • Keegan: I am a lifelong resident of Margaretta Township with the exception of eight years spent attending college and my career relocations. I'm a proud BGSU graduate with 40-plus years of financial experience. My husband and I raised our three children here, and all of us — along with our parents — are Margaretta graduates. Having been raised in this community, I care deeply about its future and want to give back in a meaningful way. I believe my professional background, combined with my lifelong connection to Margaretta, gives me a strong foundation that would make me a valuable asset as a Margaretta Township trustee. • Pooch: I am Gary Pooch, married to Kay with three children: Gary Jr, Jennifer and Todd. I'm currently a Margaretta Township trustee, retired from Fresch Electric/International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, an electrician for 50-plus years, a former Margaretta Athletic Booster Club president and a Margaretta High School Class of 1965 graduate. • Schaeffer: I'm a resident of Margaretta Township since childhood and a graduate of Margaretta High School. I currently work in agricultural fertilizer sales where I collaborate with a wide range of businesses and producers across Ohio. This experience has strengthened my skills in communication, negotiation and conflict resolution, all essential for public service. I've also served in multiple leadership roles, including as past chair of North Coast Young Professionals, which deepened my understanding of community development and strengthened my connections with leaders throughout Erie County. • Stacy: I've been a proud resident of Castalia for 30 years and have been happily married for 36 years. My family is deeply rooted in the community with my son, daughter and grandson living or working in Margaretta Township. I have been a small business owner since 1989, which has given me over three decades of experience in managing projects, making sound financial decisions and adapting to both prosperous and challenging economic times. Owning and operating my own business has sharpened my skills in budgeting, planning and problem-solving. Combined with my strong ties to the community, this experience gives me a practical, long-term perspective and a deep commitment to serving the people of our area. Q: What is one issue or challenge within your government, and how do you plan to address it? • Keegan: One of the major challenges is managing expenses responsibly within the limits of our tax revenue. With ongoing needs for the roads, cemeteries and fire protection, it's essential to make every dollar count. I believe the township should actively pursue all available grant opportunities to help offset costs. In my role as Margaretta (Schools') treasurer, I have successfully applied for, managed and reported on numerous school grants, and that experience would directly benefit the township's efforts to secure additional funding. In addition, encouraging new business development and residential growth is important to strengthen our local economy and broaden the township's tax base. • Pooch: My main issue with Margaretta Township is how to do more with less funding, our cost of living expenses for our employees, equipment, safety services/fire, roads, cemeteries and our parks. • Schaeffer: Margaretta Township is in a strong position today with few short-term issues. Looking ahead, one key long-term focus will be planning for future township facilities. The township's purchase of land on Bardwell Road was a proactive step toward that goal. As that project comes to fruition in the coming years, I believe it's essential to develop a clear, community-driven plan that identifies which facilities should be prioritized, when upgrades should occur and how they will be funded. This process should be intentional, transparent and involve public input every step of the way. • Stacy: One of the most important challenges I see within our local government is ensuring the continued safety and security of our community members. A key part of that is supporting our fire department, which I consider a top priority. Recruiting and retaining qualified personnel for this essential service is critical, and I believe we must be proactive in addressing it. By focusing on responsible budgeting and strategic use of township funds, we can strengthen this service and ensure our community remains well-protected. Investing in the people and resources that keep us safe is not just necessary: It is the foundation of a strong, thriving township. Q: What are the main reasons you've decided to run? • Keegan: After retiring from my position as Margaretta treasurer/chief financial officer, where I served for eight years, and from a 32-plus-year career with General Motors/Delphi/KBI as chief financial officer, I knew I still had the energy and desire to contribute to my community. Margaretta Township has given so much to my family and me, and I want to give back by using my 40-plus-year career experiences to support our residents and help guide our future. That commitment is what drives my decision to run for township trustee. • Pooch: The past 24 years, I have been fortunate to serve as a trustee for Margaretta Township. I continue to value our progress and would like to continue the progress being made for the future of our township. • Schaeffer: As a longtime resident, husband and father of two little girls, I'm deeply invested in the long-term success of our township. Fresh perspectives bring new ideas, and I want to help guide the township's growth in a way that maintains our small-town values. With the new school under construction, we have an opportunity to attract new families and strengthen our community. The township and school district share a vital, mutually supportive relationship — and, as trustee, I'll work to ensure that partnership continues to thrive. • Stacy: Looking toward the future, my goal is to help promote Margaretta Township as a welcoming and desirable place for new businesses to invest in and to retain current businesses serving our community. By encouraging responsible growth, we can strengthen our local economy and create new opportunities for residents. I am passionate about promoting a township desirable for both current residents and residents looking to join our community. I'm also committed to being accessible and responsive to the needs and concerns of the community. I believe in listening, working together and finding practical solutions that benefit everyone. My dedication to this community runs deep, and I want to do my part to help it thrive, both now and for future generations. Q: Why should the community vote for you? • Keegan: Throughout my career, I've managed a wide range of responsibilities, including labor relations with three different unions, employee wages/benefits, multimillion-dollar budgets, legal/liability matters, grant writing and major project oversight — most recently managing the new school construction project. I also bring the values I learned growing up here. My dad was a local farmer who worked two jobs to support our family of nine, and my mom worked full-time as well. From them, I learned the importance of hard work and values I've carried with me throughout my life. I plan on bringing these values and work experiences to the trustee position. • Pooch: Because of my experience on currently being a 24-year Margaretta Township trustee. I'm a lifelong resident and people know me for my commitment, experience and being a very loyal, honest, dedicated and reliable trustee. • Schaeffer: My focus would be to listen first, value all perspectives and make thoughtful, informed decisions that move the township forward. My goals are simple: I will be a fair, approachable and responsive trustee who works for the good of everyone in our community. • Stacy: I've had a long-standing desire to serve our community in an official capacity. And, with the current vacancy, I feel this is the right time to step forward and help fill that gap. Over the years, I've remained actively involved in our township through consistent participation and support. I've been engaged in the Cold Creek Festival, contributed to the local fire station, serving on the zoning board, a past member of the zoning appeals board and regularly attend trustee meetings to stay informed and involved. Additionally, I served as a volunteer with the Erie County Fair Board for 18 years and continue to offer my help when needed. These experiences reflect my commitment to our area and my willingness to give back. I care deeply about this community and am ready to serve in a way that supports its continued strength and growth.