Woodville Township: 7 vie for 2 trustee seats

9/28/2005

Two Woodville Township trustee seats are up for grabs in November, and seven people are vying for them.

While one trustee has decided it's time to retire, another is running against six challengers.

Trustee Chairman Robert Schumacher, 76, is not running for another term after 24 years either as a township trustee or as the zoning inspector, said clerk Robin Paul.

The only incumbent is Robert Schroeder, 60, the Gibsonburg fiscal officer and farmer who is running for his second term. He said the four years he's been a trustee has been a learning experience, but he still believes there are other things that need to be accomplished.

Two challengers who have no prior political experience were inspired by their fathers to run for office.

With his father not seeking another term, Robert Schumacher, Jr., 48, said that will give him the chance to run for office without having to compete against his father.

"I've always been interested, but with dad on there, I could never run," said the Martin Marietta magnesium oxide plant worker who has never been an elected official. "But I'm fairly familiar with the

comings and goings in the trustees, so I'm not walking into it blind."

Challenger Michael Nuhfer, 58, who is retired from his superintendent's position at Martin Marietta, said he was inspired to run for a trustee position because his father, Art Nuhfer, was a trustee for more than 20 years, beginning in the 1970s. He said he wants to be a trustee to make sure the township is spending money wisely.

Cousins Kenneth Green and Steven Green are also vying for trustee positions.

Kenneth Green, 52, was a trustee for eight years, but was not re-elected when his second term expired four years ago. The farmer and Woodmore Elementary School teacher said he wants to be elected again because he wants to give back to the community and wants to "keep the township in good shape."

Steven Green, 56, does not have any experience as an elected official, but wants to be able to monitor the taxes the township collects.

"Basically, buy what you need, and not what you want," said the retired carpenter and construction superintendent for Mosser Construction of Fremont.

While Mark Lewis Buck, 42, does not have experience in an elected office position, he said he's familiar with zoning and building codes, and feels he can bring some expertise to the township. He has owned Buck House Moving for 15 years.

Dirk Rife, 41, also has never run for office, but The Andersons production planner said he has lived in the community his whole life, and is interested in getting involved.

"I feel I've got enough experience in business now that I can lend a helping hand," he said.