Voters will choose between two candidates in the race for Licking County Commissioner.
Democrat Kathy McLeish is running against Republican Mark Van Buren.
Ohio's general election is Nov. 3, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters also may cast their ballots early at the Licking County Board of Elections, located at 20 S. 2nd St. in Newark.
The information below was supplied by candidates responding to a questionnaire. The Dispatch only edited responses for length or clarity.
Kathy McLeish
Age: 70
Party: Democrat
Campaign website: McLeishForCommish.com
Background: Kathy McLeish holds an Associate of arts degree from The Ohio State University at Newark and a Bachelor of arts degree in business management from Malone University. She has served on local
and state advisory boards and has leadership experience in workforce development, public health, early childhood advocacy and nonprofit governance. McLeish is also a small business owner.
Why are you the best candidate? I have worked as an advocate for children and families my whole adult life. I believe every family deserves to be heard regardless of their ZIP code. I will work to build stronger communities. Roads, water, bridges and responsible growth are key and must be invested in on a regular basis. Our communities are strong when we prioritize public health, public safety and responsible growth. All of this is accomplished through collaboration.
What is the most pressing issue Licking County is facing and what steps would you take to address it? Rapid growth. I would propose we slow down, take a breath and evaluate what all of this growth is doing to our environment, our schools, our infrastructure and communities.
What role, if any, should the commissioners take in regulating data centers? And what policies would you advance to that end? I completely support Dr. Amy Acton's plan on data centers. A conditional moratorium on new data centers: data centers and investors cover 100% of their electricity, gas and water costs. Use union labor to construct, maintain and operate. Eliminate secret NDAs and use location restrictions that utilize brownfields or previously developed sites. Meet all environmental standards.
What actions should the county take to address rising property taxes? Stop giving tax breaks to businesses that don't need them. The state must fully fund public schools, which will alleviate a tremendous burden on local taxpayers.
Mark Van Buren
Age: 59
Party: Republican
Campaign website: CitizensForVanBuren.com
Background: Mark Van Buren is a lifelong farmer, small-business owner and co-owner of Van Buren Acres. He earned a Bachelor of science in business from The Ohio State University and a Master of science in finance from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Van Buren is currently a Harrison Township trustee (1997-2008 and 2010-present) and was previously a Licking County commissioner (2008) and a member of Kirkersville Village Council (1996-1997).
Why are you the best candidate? I have decades of hands-on local government and community experience and have served more than 24 years as a Harrison Township trustee, giving me firsthand experience with budgets, roads, public safety, development and the everyday issues that affect Licking County residents. My experience extends throughout Licking County through my service on the West Licking Joint Fire District Board, as an alternate on the Licking County Planning Commission, a director on the board of directors of the Ohio Township Association and on the board of trustees of the Licking County Farm Bureau. I care deeply about Licking County, both where we are today and where we are headed. I believe in strong local government, keeping decisions close to the people. My priorities include fiscal responsibility, responsible growth, protecting our communities and planning carefully for Licking County’s future.
What is the most pressing issue Licking County is facing and what steps would you take to address it? I believe one of the most pressing issues facing Licking County is managing the tremendous growth we are experiencing while protecting the quality of life that makes our county a great place to live, work, raise a family and do business. Growth affects our roads, public safety, infrastructure, farmland, schools and communities. As commissioner, I would work closely with townships, villages, cities, schools and other local partners to encourage responsible growth and comprehensive planning. I strongly believe in local government and that decisions should involve the people who live in the communities most affected. We need to encourage residents to get involved, attend local meetings, ask questions and make their voices heard. Licking County will continue to grow. Our responsibility is to work together, plan ahead and make thoughtful decisions today that will keep Licking County strong for future generations.
What role, if any, should the commissioners take in regulating data centers? And what policies would you advance to that end? Rising property taxes are a serious concern for many Licking County residents, particularly seniors, farmers and families who are seeing their property values increase rapidly. I believe county government has a responsibility to be fiscally responsible and look for opportunities to reduce the tax burden when revenues allow. When I previously served as a Licking County commissioner, I voted to reduce the county’s inside millage, which lowered property taxes for Licking County property owners. As commissioner, I would again support reducing the county’s inside millage. I would also carefully review county spending, prioritize essential services and work to ensure taxpayers receive good value for every dollar spent. We need to balance providing quality services while keeping Licking County affordable for the people who call it home.
What actions should the county take to address rising property taxes? I believe decisions regarding data centers should primarily remain a local issue because where these facilities may be located is fundamentally a zoning and land-use decision. Local residents should have a voice in determining what is appropriate for their community. For example, in Harrison Township, where I serve as a township trustee, our zoning does not permit data centers, so a data center would not currently be permitted. In other communities, such as Pataskala, residents will use the ballot box to make their voices heard, as they will be voting on a charter amendment to ban mega data centers. I would respect those local decisions and zoning rather than impose a one-size-fits-all county policy. Any proposed data center, like other major developments, should be carefully evaluated for its potential environmental impact, infrastructure demands, water and energy use, traffic, noise and other effects on surrounding residents and resources. Growth should be responsible, well-planned and responsive to the community.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Meet the candidates in the Licking County commissioner race
