Fulton County Ohio Media

One benefit that voters have in any upcoming election between an incumbent and their opponent is an opportunity to research the incumbent’s track record while in office to determine if they deserve another term.  The progressive initiatives Mayor Neil Toeppe has been able to implement the past two years, with the blessing of the current Village Council, have brought the Village of Swanton well ahead of its long stagnation of years past.  I say only two years because Mr. Toeppe’s initial efforts were completely obstructed by angry and resentful Council leaders who placed their grudge-held sentiments of the new mayor before the needs of the Swanton citizenry.  Fortunately, two years after Mr. Toeppe defeated eight-year incumbent mayor Ann Roth, four Council members were replaced and the Village finally began to move forward and has been on a fast track ever since.

What I believe to be the most important accomplishment of the mayor’s current tenure was the implementation of Live Streaming of all of the Village’s meetings.  Basically, it brought complete transparency and full disclosure of Council proceedings into the home of all constituents or anywhere they happen to have access to the internet.  These meetings can be viewed in real time or at any time, day or night, for the next 12 months.  No longer do we have to be in attendance or wait two or more weeks to receive a copy of abbreviated and sanitized meeting minutes.  Watching the proceedings tells the viewer not only what is said, but how it is said and what the visceral feelings are of the individual players towards an issue as well as the overall mood in the room.  Nothing is hidden.

Mayor Toeppe was also able to create an Economic Development Commission (EDC), an all-volunteer group of business and community leaders who now work on bringing more business opportunities to the Village to help increase the tax base.  With an increase in economic development comes an increase of business taxes, thereby lessening the tax burden of the hard-working citizens of Swanton.  More tax revenue will allow the Village to maintain and improve its services to its residents and provide quality health and safety assistance through its Police Department and Fire and Rescue Division.

Recently, under the Toeppe administration, a DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) was established in downtown on Main Street.  It allows drinking establishments within the area to place tables and chair outside in front of their business and serve adult beverages.  Block parties were organized this summer in the DORA, bringing more business into the community and again, more tax revenue that benefits everyone in the Village.

Another major asset Mayor Toeppe brings to the table is his almost 21 years serving as the Executive Director of the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce.  Through this position and his time as Mayor, he has constructed an enormous resource network composed of business and political leaders throughout the State of Ohio.  He has used these resources to make informed decisions and recommendations to Council on ways to maintain high standards of service to the citizens of Swanton and to do so in a fiscally responsible manner. 

Neil Toeppe is an excellent communicator.  He responds to people’s questions and concerns he sees on social media, publishes important messages and information on social media as does the Village Administrator and reinstated the Mayor’s Report at all Council meetings.  On sensitive issues, Neil has been known to knock on people’s front doors to allow them to explain their grievances in person without having to make an appointment with the Village Office.  His soft-spoken tone and calm and friendly demeanor make him very approachable and gives other the confidence that he will listen and take their concerns seriously.  At the same time, he is clear-eyed and pragmatic and will tell someone when a problem cannot be quickly resolved.

In full disclosure, I have served on the Swanton Area of Commerce Board for approximately eight years, working with Neil and other board members to support the Chamber’s members and their businesses.  I have witnessed the many great things he has done for this community working behind the scenes through the Chamber.  Have you seen downtown lately?   It is a complete transformation.  No more do I see those “ghost town” postings referring to Main Street of Facebook.  Neil Toeppe has been the catalyst behind the amazing change.  His assistance in helping my family bring back the Swanton Sports Center was invaluable and still continues today.

More full disclosure. I am not a member of Mr. Toeppe’s campaign nor have I made any financial contributions towards his re-election, but I do fully support it. That being said, early voting has begun and no matter where your loyalties lie, the important thing is to exercise your right to vote.  One way or the other, get to the polls and set the example for others.  It may be a cliche, but every vote counts.