People don’t realize that the Amish are more than 50 percent of our township population. They are a majority. It’s important to listen to their needs. We want them more involved in decision making. – Henry Duchscherer
Longtime Parkman Township resident Henry Duchscherer was sworn in March 5 as township trustee, replacing Jon Ferguson, who resigned last month after announcing he is moving out of the township.
Trustee Chairman Roger Anderson said Duchscherer was selected from three applicants.
Under Ohio law, Anderson and Trustee Dennis Ikeler select the trustee to replace one who leaves office. If the two trustees had not been able to agree on a replacement, the Geauga County Probate Court judge would have appointed a trustee.
“Our primary concern was finding someone with a financial background, who understands township government,” Anderson said after the meeting.
“We had heard from others, including former (Geauga County Court of Common Pleas) Judge David Fuhry, a former Parkman trustee, that Henry would be a good choice,” Anderson said. “After a recommendation like that, the choice was pretty clear.”
“He’s an excellent choice,” said Ferguson. “He’s a long-term Parkman guy who has been active in the community in many areas. He truly was an excellent choice. “
Duchscherer and his wife, Debby, have lived in Parkman for 30 years and have four children and five grandchildren. He said his parents had also lived in the community.
He is a retired business developer for Cisco Foods and has served on the Parkman Township Board of Zoning Appeals. He is a past president of the Cardinal Boosters and coached youth league sports teams for many years. He has also volunteered at the Parkman pancake breakfasts.
The new trustee said Parkman is a great community to raise a family.
“It’s slower paced and quiet,” he said. “My kids are all well centered and grew up to be good citizens. I think that’s important.”
Duchscherer said he considered running for trustee during the last election, but decided against it when he saw how well the board members worked together.
“They were doing a good job and were diverse, which is a good thing,” he explained.
Duchscherer said he has several concerns he hopes to address with the other two trustees as soon as possible.
“The biggest challenge, of course, is our roads,” he said. “The expense is mind boggling. Parkman has more dirt roads than 95 percent of the rural communities in Ohio. Our fire department staffing is a big issue and there’s no simple answer. We have to look under every rock for money.”
He said another big challenge is making sure the changing landscape of downtown Parkman is developed in the right way.
“Nine or 10 century buildings have been lost to demolition in the last year, as our business district is being developed,” he said. “I hope that any development keeps a country feel. That’s going to be a challenge.”
He said he hopes to involve more young people and Amish residents in township government.
“People don’t realize that the Amish are more than 50 percent of our township population,” Duchscherer said. “They are a majority. It’s important to listen to their needs. We want them more involved in decision making.”
Anderson said he looks forward to working with the new trustee.
“I just hope he doesn’t panic and run,” Anderson joked.
