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Loynes, Ott battle for Fairfield Twp. supervisor
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Thursday, September 4, 2008 9:56 AM EDT
FAIRFIELD TWP. - After defeating Larry Howland in the primary, Republican Leslie Loynes is looking to November, when he faces Democrat Bonnie Ott for township supervisor.
Loynes, a retired mechanical engineer, said his management experience makes him the best candidate for the position.
“I have supervisory experience and I know how to manage budgets and schedules,” Loynes said. “I'm also retired so I have the time to meet with people to do the job.”
Ott, a business teacher at Ovid-Elsie High School, has experience on the township board - four years as a trustee - which she said makes her the stronger candidate.
“I have the experience,” Ott said. “I have worked very hard for the township. Anyone who goes to the meetings or sits on the board knows that.”
Ott said attending the township meetings is essential for candidates.
“I don't know how someone can never come to a township meeting and think they can win a township,” she said of Loynes. “I'm sure he's a nice enough guy, but he's only lived here a couple of years. How can he know the issues and concern to people of the township?”
Loynes was born on a farm in the township, but moved away because of work in 1974. He returned to Fairfield to retire in 2006.
Loynes said he has attended a few township meetings and thinks he will work well with the people on the board to solve the issues affecting the people.
“Economy is a major issue,” Loynes said. “We also need money for our roads. But you have to do as the people wish. Put the issues before them and do what they're willing to pay for.”
Ott said she knows about the issues affecting the township.
“I have a proven track record of working in the township,” she said. “I have calculated the fire and ambulance millage, which was voted in at the primary.”
Ott is a lifelong Fairfield Township resident and said there are many items she would like to address in the upcoming term.
“I have a huge list,” she said. “We need to use the money wisely and upgrade our roads. I also have a four-year road plan for upgrades and maintenance. I'd like to create a Saturday-morning farmers market and look for an overall strategic plan for the township.”
After hearing from people in the township following the August primary, Loynes said he is positive about his chances of being elected supervisor.
“I got a lot of good feedback from my neighbors,” Loynes said. “I want to help them out and I'm looking forward to moving forward.”
