GOP gives microphone to commissioner candidates

LIMA — A full Allen County Republican Party lunch crowd saw two distinct approaches from the two candidates in one of the Republican primaries for commissioner Friday.

American Township Trustee Lynn Mohler, known in many circles for his recent fundraising work and a career in education, gave a soft-sell; he was seven minutes into a 14-minute speech before he mentioned Allen County government or politics, saying he is a fiscal and social conservative who has long had a goal of serving as commissioner.

Allen County Fairgrounds Manager Jay Begg wasted no time, starting by telling the crowd the Allen County Courthouse needs communication, cooperation and leadership, and he is the man for the job.

Allen County commissioners Sam Bassitt and Dan Reiff are not seeking new terms, opening two of the three commissioner seats. Republicans are engaged in primaries for both of them. The party, which is not endorsing in either race, gave the podium Friday to Mohler and Begg, running in one primary. The winner of that race will be the next commissioner unless a nonpartisan candidate files for the seat. Paul Basinger, Dennis Fricke and Cory Noonan, running in the other Republican primary, will speak at the March 2 GOP lunch. The winner of that race will face Democrat Connie Miller and Libertarian Don Kissick.

Begg said he sees county elected officials, department heads and employees communicating, working together and full of good ideas.

“What is missing is cooperation and communication or acknowledgement from the commissioners' office, recognizing those efforts, listening to their ideas about efficiencies and cost-saving, or technology and innovation,” Begg said.

Begg said the county needs “a leader who can see the bigger picture,” who offers solutions and is accountable. He said Allen County needs a plan for the future.

“We need a strategic plan for this county, one that prioritizes capital needs and foresees major repairs and uses technology,” Begg said. “Plans change quickly, but without a clear plan, we are constantly reacting to these changes with fearful declarations and questionable cuts instead of setting a course and making adjustments before a crisis develops.”

Mohler said the commissioners are responsible for helping to grow the county economy, resulting in growth of the county's chief revenue source, sales tax. He spoke about a five-point plan to do that: bringing together public and private interests to retain existing jobs; improving access to education; investing in employees to create a ready workforce; giving businesses a seat at the county decision-making table and continuing financial support of Allen Economic Development Group.

Mohler said he's been interested in running for commissioner for 20 years and recently ran for trustee to become more involved in the community and plan for a commissioner run.

“The township is like a laboratory for democracy. We pulled that off, and I'm exited about this situation,” Mohler said.

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