County candidates debate hot issues

FINDLAY — Hancock County commissioner candidates went toe-to-toe for the first time on the election trail last week. There are four Hancock County commissioner candidates that will be on the May primary ticket, including incumbent Tim Bechtol, Gina Campbell, Orion Jones and Rachel Rader. All four candidates met at 50 North for a question-and-answer style debate, hosted by WFIN radio personality Chris Oaks. Bechtol, a commissioner since 2016 and an architect since 2002, said his professional experience aligns closely with the responsibilities of the office. "I enjoy being commissioner," he said "It suits me well as an architect." He added that both architects and commissioners must solve problems, manage tight budgets and know where to find expertise when needed. Campbell, a lifelong Findlay resident and Army veteran said her service included work in a data center before it was acquired by Microsoft. After returning home, she earned a master's degree in education and worked in talent acquisition and accounting. "My connection to Hancock County runs deep," she said, adding that she is concerned about rising taxes, limited higher-paying jobs, declining home ownership and loss of agricultural land. Jones highlighted his experience managing multi-million dollar budgets at Tiffin University and the University of Findlay. A Ph.D. candidate in educational leadership, he said his success comes from "outworking the competition." Rader, a retired Ohio Northern University math and statistics professor and longtime Eagle Township fiscal officer said her family's history of public service motivates her. "I think the community is poised to grow," she said. "If we are careful with our money and resources, we can make this place a great community to live in." Candidates were asked whether Hancock County should pursue data center projects, which Oaks described as "lucrative" but "controversial." Campbell cautioned that rapid technological change could leave the county with an obsolete facility. "Technology is moving at the speed of light," she said. "So what are we left with?" she said. "Is there a decommission plan?" Bechtol said commissioners have not yet been approached about a center, but evaluate it like any other, with input from affected township trustees. Rader expressed concern about the strain data centers place on natural resources and the electric grid. "I don't think we know enough about them yet to know if they are going to be good for the community," she said. Jones said he would also need more research before taking a position. The candidates also address the Hancock County Agricultural Society's recent bed tax renewal. Bechtol, who voted on the renewal late last year, said the fair board has not yet resolved commissioners' financial concerns. He emphasized that bed tax revenue is intended for capital improvements, not operating expenses. Payments will depend on the results of an ongoing state audit. Campbell said audits can be helpful tools. "It shows where the money is leaking," she said. "It can show you what changes you need to make … I would have to wait to see what the audit says." Jones said residents deserve transparency. "We need to figure out what the problem is, where the issues have been and solve it," he said, calling the fair an important part of the county's agricultural identity. Rader disagreed with withholding funds. She noted that "unauditable books" do not necessarily indicate fraud. "I think in the long run, we are hurting the community by withholding those bed tax dollars," she said. In closing statements, Bechtol said he has strengthened county finances during his tenure and has provided free architectural services to the board. Campbell pledged to listen to voters, protect private property rights, increase financial transparency and oppose tax increases without voter approval. Jones said his experience and work ethic would help him collaborate with residents and stakeholders to find objective solutions. Rader said she will be fiscally responsible and focused on improving the county for future generations. The spring primary is May 5, but early voting begins April 7.