Muhlenkamp, Howick vie for commissioner

CELINA - Mercer County Commissioner Rick P. Muhlenkamp of Celina is being challenged by county soil and water conservation Board Vice Chairwoman Theresa A. Howick of Celina for the commissioner seat beginning Jan. 3, 2021.

The winner advances to the Nov. 3 general election. No Democrats filed to run in the primary.

Rick P. Muhlenkamp

Rick P. Muhlenkamp, who first took office on Jan. 3, 2013, is serving his second term as a Mercer County commissioner. Muhlenkamp, 57, has a wife, Diane, and two step-daughters. He's also a farmer.

Muhlenkamp graduated from Parkway High School and The Ohio State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in agriculture.

He believes his experience as commissioner and years of work as a farmer qualify him to continue serving. He noted that he recently was elected to an advisory board to Ohio State University's Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering, setting program, staffing and curriculum direction. He also serves on the human services committee of County Commissioners Association of Ohio.

"I want to work for the citizens of Mercer County, and I'll be respectful of the wishes of the people in making decisions," Muhlenkamp said. "I know the people of Mercer County work hard, and they want to have confidence that their tax dollars are being utilized appropriately."

Much of the discussion of late has focused on community and economic development, Muhlenkamp said, pointing to a robust job market and the lowest unemployment rate in Ohio.

But officials must make concerted efforts to retain and develop the younger generation, Muhlenkamp said. The new Tri Star Career Compact facility will play a big role in offering students the training they need to find gainful, local employment, he said.

"But there also needs to be more done in the area of bringing the millennials back," he said.

The Lake Facilities Authority, Muhlenkamp said, acquired several properties, some of which could be set aside for nature trails and nature preserves, the type of natural amenities attractive to young people.

"We have a strong faith and family presence in the county. I think we need to ensure that that continues," Muhlenkamp continued. "That's what makes Mercer County such a great place to live and work."

He made clear that commissioners can't please everybody all the time.

"I'm a good listener. I think things through before making a decision. Oftentimes when the public doesn't understand why certain decisions are made, they get angry and sometimes they get upset," he said.

Commissioners make decisions based on the best interests of the whole county, Muhlenkamp noted, saying he tries to show kindness and respect throughout the process.

"It's truly an honor, and I greatly appreciate it to be able to serve the citizens of Mercer County," Muhlenkamp said.

Theresa Howick

Theresa Howick, 58, is a farmer and vice chairwoman of the Mercer County Soil and Water Conservation Board. She has a husband, Dennis, and two sons.

Howick graduated from Celina High School and has a degree in accounting. She served 11 years in the United States Navy, stationed in California and Japan.

She's served for two decades on the Mercer County Farm Bureau in numerous capacities, including policy chairwoman and secretary. She also was the treasurer for the Mercer County Cattlemen's Association for 11 years.

Asked what experience qualifies her to serve as commissioner, Howick pointed to her years on the soil and water conservation board, a state subdivision tasked with protecting and improving soil, water resources and natural habitats in the county and enhancing the quality of life for citizens and future generations.

Howick views the commission seat as the next step forward from SWCD, saying she wants to continue learning and broadening her horizons to the benefit of Mercer County.

"I want to be more engaged with the community," she stressed.

Howick said Mercer County lays claim to the best work ethic. She said she wants to help the county be the best it can.

"I just want to be able to run for an office and better myself as a human being and possibly help Mercer County in the long run," she said.