At-large seats highly contested in GOP primary

FINDLAY — In the citywide Republican primary race for Findlay Council's three at-large seats, there are five candidates and not one incumbent. Vying for the party's nomination are Antonia Faisant, Heather Kensinger, L. Reed Needles, Randy Otermat and Bradley Wagner. Voters will pick three. Eight of 11 members of Findlay City Council, including Council President John Harrington, opted not to seek reelection this year, including all three incumbent Republican at-large council members: Grant Russel, Jeff Wobser and Randy Greeno. Councilman Josh Palmer, R-7, now serving his third term, filed candidate petitions to run for an at-large seat in the Republican primaries. Palmer then dropped out of the race in March, citing personal reasons. Jenny Fall was the sole Democrat to file for at-large and will challenge the three Republican nominees for one of the three seats in the general election. Antonia Faisant Antonia Faisant, no age given, is an office administrator and customer relations representative for a local business. Faisant made an unsuccessful bid for a seat on the Hancock County Republican Party Central Committee in the last election cycle. Faisant thinks a brand new majority on city council will be a good thing. "The business as usual model is not working for the city of Findlay," she said. "I am running for city council at-large because I grew up here, my kids live here, and I genuinely care about this community. ... It's not so much about the direction the city of Findlay is going, but more about the way things are being done." Faisant, however, didn't offer any details on what she believes is not working with the city's management. Heather Kensinger Heather Kensinger, 46, is an insurance sales and office manager. This is her first bid for public office. Kensinger also believes the turnover on council will be a good thing for the city. "I believe that it is often easy for people to get stuck in a particular line that makes it hard to deviate from. Sometimes in our jobs it can be that way and fresh voices make a difference," Kensinger said. "I think having a majority of brand-new people on the council will do just that: bring fresh voices to the conversation. Anytime there are people with new vision and ideas, it is a good thing, as long as everyone respects those around them and does not come in with their own agendas." Kensinger said she believes Findlay is at a crossroads. "We have to decide as a community if we are going to be a place where businesses are drawn to because people want to live here, if education is still important enough for us to prioritize, and if we are going to continue to invest in our city's future," Kensinger said. "Any leadership role can have this connotation. I believe in this city. I want to see Findlay continue to thrive and be a place where people want to live, work and play," Kensinger said. "Stepping up into the public forum to help see this accomplished is important to me because Findlay is a special place. I love the history of where this town has been, and I want to be a part of where it goes." L. Reed Needles L. Reed Needles, 43, is an accounting analyst/cost accountant. This is his first try for a public office. Needles describes the role of being an "at-large" city councilman as being the voice of the entire city. "These roles require a person who is able and willing to listen to the residents while also highlighting the pressing issues at hand," said Needles. "It is important as a council member to understand that your voice is speaking for the entire ward/or city. As a council member, I would prioritize your voices and seek to understand and pursue the direction we, as a community, wish to grow," Needles said. Needles said a new majority on Findlay City Council will bring fresh perspectives. "I am confident that along with the other candidates, we will quickly adapt to the roles and remain focused on working together and prioritizing the interest of the community and its residents. Over the years, we have seen several new council members make an impact on our city," Needles said. "This year, we find several open seats which offer our city residents a chance for new ideas and new council members eager to address our city in a manner that will honor our past while ushering us into our future." Needles lifted up Findlay's designation as the top micropolitan city for the 11th consecutive year as evidence that the city is heading in the right direction. The designation is awarded by Site Selection magazine, ranking Findlay first in business growth among 543 small cities nationwide in 2024. "As with any city, there are areas of improvement, which will be a continuous opportunity for growth. Together, with the support of other council members and our residents, I believe we can sustain a thriving and safe city," said Needles. "I believe that the city of Findlay does not belong to the city council; it belongs to the residents of Findlay, and I will strive to understand and vote with the majority of this town." Randy Otermat Randy Otermat, 68, is a retired agency operator for Avis Rent-A-Care. Otermat is an elected member of the Hancock County Republican Central Committee, representing Findlay Precinct 4E. He made an unsuccessful run to represent 4th Ward as one of two independent candidates in 2023. Councilman Dan DeArment, R-4, won the election. Otermat said employment opportunities and the business environment in the city are strong, but he's concerned about "development and growth for its own sake." "I would rather focus more on attracting small businesses and helping to grow existing ones. We will need to work on all types of housing to accommodate our growing workforce," said Otermat. "We particularly need single-family housing low to mid price points. I am very committed to maintaining our small town feel where all socio-economic classes can feel that they belong and have a voice in our city government." Otermat believes a new majority on Findlay City Council will be "a very positive thing." "There will certainly be a learning curve in a few cases. Several of the candidates have been very involved in attending and participating in council and committee meetings over the past few years. These people will bring a different perspective and a proven dedication to city affairs," Otermat said. Otermat described himself as "open, honest and willing to listen," and said he will base his decisions on what is best for all Findlay's citizens. "I will not be swayed by the special interests of an elite few," Otermat said. Bradley Wagner Bradley Wagner, 63, is self-employed. Wagner, along with his wife, Jill, manage Wasbro Rental Property LLC, the Sherman House and Wagner Rental Properties. Wagner is an appointed member of the Hancock County Republican Party Executive Committee. He represented Findlay Precinct 2C as an elected member of the party's Central Committee from 2012 to 2017. Wagner said he is "compelled to serve." "If elected, I will take the oath of office as seriously as the oath that I took when I volunteered to serve in the United States Navy," he said. "Findlay is a great city of which I am very proud. It would be my honor if the citizens would place their trust in me to assist in the decisions and leadership that will continue to make Findlay the envy of the Midwest." Independent candidates can still enter the general election. The filing deadline for independent candidates is 4 p.m. May 5, at the elections board, 201 E Lincoln St. Signature requirements vary, based on position, and factor in the number of votes in the last election for Ohio governor. Jody O'Brien, an elections board director, said independent candidates are advised to request the correct signature count and rules for their petitions from the elections board. Early voting started Tuesday.