3 council seats open to 4 at-large candidates

FINDLAY — A Democrat is hoping to break the Republican hold on Findlay's city government this fall, challenging three GOP candidates in a race with no incumbents. Four candidates — Republican nominees Heather Kensinger, L. Reed Needles and Bradley Wagner, along with Democrat Jenny Fall — are competing for three open at-large seats. In the citywide race, residents will vote for three. Fall, 51, an engagement director, is making her first run for office. She was motivated to enter the race after noticing how few Democrats had sought council seats in recent years. All elected offices in Findlay's government are held by Republicans. The last Democrat to be elected to council was Michael Eier, 5th Ward, in 2005. He served one term. "I think the current makeup of the council has been the same for so long that sometimes things stay the same because they are the same," she said. The race follows a wave of departures from council, with eight of 11 members — including Council President John Harrington — choosing not to seek reelection. That includes all three incumbent Republican at-large members: Grant Russel, Jeff Wobser and Randy Greeno. In the Republican camp, Kensinger, 46, an insurance sales and office manager, said the campaign has been fast-paced but rewarding. "I've learned just how much people care about our city — whether they've lived here for generations or are brand new to town," Kensinger said. "Findlay is worth investing in, and I want to be part of building its future." Kensinger said the city is at a crossroads and must prepare for growth while staying connected as a community. She emphasized the need for infrastructure to keep pace and for council to listen closely to residents. Needles, 43, an accounting analyst and cost accountant, said the campaign has shown him how much local politics matter to everyday life. "We have a real chance to lead our city into its next phase of prosperity," Needles said. "That work should center on three interlocking priorities: public safety, economic growth and family‑focused quality of life." Needles said he supports transparent decisions and practical leadership to keep Findlay safe, clean and family-friendly. Republican Bradley Wagner, 64, is self-employed and manages several rental properties with his wife, Jill. He is an appointed member of the Hancock County Republican Party Executive Committee and previously served on the party's Central Committee from 2012 to 2017. Wagner declined to comment for this story. Fall is optimistic that voters will see the value of adding a new perspective. She said many council decisions, such as zoning, road construction, airport improvements and parking fees, are not "inherently partisan" and should be guided by what's best for residents. "Council should be a place where diverse perspectives are heard, questions are asked, and decisions are made thoughtfully," she said. Early voting begins Tuesday.