Fulton County Ohio Media

Editor’s Note : The following is copied from a public Facebook posting by Swanton Village Councilman Noah Kreuz.  The format has been altered for better readability. Mr. Kreuz’s opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the Fulton County Media.

Speak NO on Dividing Council into Standing Committees – A major change to how Swanton Village Council operates is up for a vote Monday night.  The proposal would divide council into committees where only two members oversee each department instead of the full council discussing issues together.  Residents should understand what this could mean for transparency and representation.

This Monday, Village Council will vote on returning to a four-committee structure:

• Finance • Public Safety (Police & Fire) • Water & Sewer • Public Service

Each committee would have only two council members overseeing that division of village administration.

While this may sound efficient, it creates serious concerns for transparency, unity, and accountability.

WHY THIS IS A STEP BACKWARD

1. It Divides Council – Currently, the full council discusses departmental issues together during regular meetings. This allows all six elected members to hear the same information and ask questions directly.  If this proposal passes:  Only two members oversee each department.  Four members are left out of deeper discussions.  Council becomes fragmented instead of working as one team.  Strong communities require unified leadership — not solos.

2. Information Could Be Limited – Under the proposed structure:  Two members could determine what the other four members hear

When only two members review an issue, the rest of council must rely on second-hand summaries rather than participating directly.

This could lead to:  Unequal access to information.  Less transparency.  Reduced collaboration.  Every elected council member should have equal access to information.

3. Committee Meetings Do Not Require Official Minutes – Under Ohio law, council committee meetings are generally considered public meetings and must be open to the public.  However:  Formal meeting minutes are not required.  Without minutes, residents and other council members may have no permanent record of discussions that shaped decisions before they reach full council.

4. No Requirement for Department Heads to Attend – Village departments already provide written reports to the full council.  Under this proposal:  Committees may meet without department heads present.  Discussions may rely only on summaries.  The full council loses the opportunity to ask direct questions.  If we want to dive deeper into issues, we should do it together and publicly.

A BETTER SOLUTION

Option 1: Committee of the Whole (Quarterly).  All six council members meet together.  Department heads attend in person.  In-depth discussion with full transparency.

Option 2: Department Heads Present at Regular Meetings.  Require in-person reports.  Allow full council discussion.  Keep decision-making unified and transparent.

THIS IS ABOUT GOOD GOVERNMENT

This is not about personalities. This is about:  Transparency.  Equal representation.  Open communication.  Unified leadership.  Swanton deserves a council that works together — not divided into small groups.

Attend the Meeting:  Monday – 6:00 PM in Ritter Hall at 124 N. Main Street, Swanton, Ohio

Come speak out against dividing council into committees.

Photo:  Councilman Noah Kreuz during Swanton Village Council townhall event