Several tax issues on ballot

By WILLIAM KINCAID and JANIE SOUTHARD
newsdept@dailystandard.com

There are several local candidates - but none contested - on the May 4 primary ballot in Mercer and Auglaize counties. Both counties also have several tax issues up for consideration.

In Mercer County, incumbent Commissioner John Bruns, a Republican from Maria Stein, has filed to retain his seat. Running on the Democratic ticket will be Ron Hammons of Celina, who filed as a write-in for the primary.

County Recorder Tammy Barger, a Democrat, has filed for the seat of county auditor. Current Auditor Mark Giesige, whose term ends in March 2011, has chosen not to run again. Running on the Republican ballot will be Randy Grapner of Celina, who filed as a write-in candidate.

Mercer County Judge of Common Pleas Court Jeffrey Ingraham has filed again as a Democrat for the position. No Republicans filed.

In Auglaize County, three incumbents - Republican Douglas Spencer, Democrat Janet Schuler and Republican Frederick Pepple - are seeking returns to their respective positions as county commissioner, county auditor and common pleas judge. There is no one else filed for the three seats.

Issues filed for the primary election in Mercer County are:

• Zoning amendment in Franklin Township asking voters to decide if a resolution should stand that changes an 18.8-acre parcel from R-2 medium density residential to R-3 high density residential and a 34.2-acre parcel from R-2 medium density to R-C resort commercial. The developer wants to put in duplexes and lots for recreational vehicles.

• A five-year, renewal levy to keep the current income tax revenue at 1 percent for Parkway school district.

• A five-year, 2-mill additional tax levy in Union Township for fire protection.

• A five-year, 3-mill additional tax levy in Chickasaw for operating expenses.

In Auglaize County, the issues are:

• A five-year, 1-mill permanent improvement levy for New Bremen Local Schools.

• A five-year, 1.25-mill renewal levy for German Township to provide ambulance service and emergency medical services.

• A continuing, 1-mill additional levy for Moulton Township to pay firefighting companies and to provide ambulance and other emergency medical services.

• A five-year, 0.7-mill renewal tax for Noble Township to pay firefighting companies and to provide ambulance and other emergency medical services.

Auglaize County Board of Elections Director Carolyn Campbell reminds voters that this is a primary election, which means a voter must declare his/her party affiliation.

"This is where the parties are selecting their candidates to run in November. You can vote only on the issues (no candidates) if you choose not to declare," Campbell said.

Anyone who will be 18 by the Nov. 2 general election may vote on candidates only, no issues or state party central committee people since these are actually decided in the May 4 primary.

All county boards will be open until 9 p.m. Monday, the last day to register to vote in this election.

Mercer County Election Board Director Mike Lamm reminded voters that absentee ballots are now available.

Those interested must send a request or visit the board of elections offices to vote absentee.