Voters to Pick Two of Four for Montville Trustee

October 9, 2025 by Staff Report

Voters will have to choose between four candidates for two open Montville Township trustee seats in the Nov. 4 election. They are Edward Lawson, incumbent James Marsic, Nathan Ricket and Robert Weigle. Below are their responses to our candidate questionnaire.

Edward Lawson

Age: 53

Current Occupation/Employer: Supervising mechanic

Education: High school diploma and Auburn Career Center certification in automotive technology

James Marsic

Age: 64

Current Occupation/Employer: President and Owner, Countryside Truck Service Inc. in Montville since 1988

Education: Graduate of Ledgemont Schools and Ohio Diesel Technical College; attended Lakeland Community College; master ASE certified, EVT certified

Nathan Ricket

Age: 37

Current Occupation/Employer: Ricket’s construction LLC

Education: Candidate left blank

Robert Weigle

Age: 53

Current Occupation/Employer: Construction Worker/Geauga Engineer’s

Education: Associate of science

1. Why are you seeking this position?

Lawson: I’ve been a part of the Geauga County community for over 20 years and am eager to take a more active role in shaping its future. As township trustee, I want to help advance social programs, improve our roadways, and promote responsible growth that reflects the needs of our residents while honoring the community’s values.

Marsic: I’m seeking re-election so I may complete the tasks and projects within our township that I’ve been working on. First, improve the last remaining dirt roads within our township to either chip and seal or asphalt. Continue our maintenance program on all township roads while staying in our plan and budget. I would continue to assist in keeping our fire department well balanced with proper and safe equipment, better facilities and greater retention for current and new members. Assist in keeping the township budget well balanced and transparent while keeping our taxes one of the lowest in the county.

Ricket: I have served on Mont Mere Lake Association for about five years and have used my knowledge and critical thinking skills to serve the community here at Mont Mere Lake Association. I would love to take what I have been exercising here to the Township level and serve my wider community. I’m not afraid to ask questions and personally invest time to find better ways to accomplish a task that will benefit everyone. I believe every individual we help, helps society as a whole.

Weigle: I have dedicated my career to public service and want to continue serving my community.  Having spent seven years on Montville Zoning Commission, I now hope to serve as trustee to further strengthen our township.

2. If elected to this position, what would be your top priorities?

Lawson: If elected, my top priorities would include improving road conditions, expanding social services for families and seniors, and ensuring that growth is managed in a way that benefits everyone. I’m also committed to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and listening to the concerns of all residents.

Marsic: Currently township trustees in Ohio are watching all the State Legislative alerts and ideas for tax reform. I’ve read everything from “across the board cuts” to property tax reductions, tax deferral programs and other ideas to fill the loss of property taxation. After we all went through the last reappraisals, any type of tax relief would be welcome.  Search for available grants and alternative funding. Taxation reform will be the top priority as it will have effects on every aspect of township level functions going forward.

Ricket: The number one priority needs to be Montville‘s financial situation. It will be crucial to figure out ways for Montville trustee to inform their voters on what this looks like to be diligently seeking and striving towards financial stability however this has to be done without cutting our services we offer to the community with the fire department, and we have to still take care of our roads and our cemetery.

I would like to also see more community engagement and continued growth of community activities that would include utilizing Montville Park property.

Weigle: My priorities are 1) advocating for state-level property tax relief, (2) investing in Montville’s roads and infrastructure, an (3) increasing transparency and resident engagement through a modern township website.

3. What project(s) would you like to see township government accomplish over the next four years?

Lawson: Over the next four years, I’d like to see the township focus on expanding and enhancing the current firehouse to better serve the community’s needs. This could include adding more space for equipment and improving emergency response capabilities. Additionally, I’d like to see the township put more emphasis on organizing social and community activities, similar to the annual “Community Days” event, to foster greater connection among residents.

Marsic: Maintain our roads, balance our budget while keeping our taxes as low as possible. Only ask taxpayers for levies that are needed rather than rainy day funding.  Work with our township committee for the fire department facility addition that is being financed by grants. Upgrade and maintain our cemetery better and work together with volunteers while applying for grants to develop the township’s park property on Route 6 for future use.

Ricket: I think it would be wonderful to utilize Montville Park property.

Weigle: I would like to see continued investment in road infrastructure and the launch of a new township website that provides residents with better access to information and opportunities for engagement.

4. A significant amount of your time will be allocated to township board responsibilities, such as planning, zoning, budgeting, re-zonings, land use, economic development, labor negotiations and audit review. What prior experience do you have with the above? Do you feel a trustee can “learn on the job?”

Lawson: With 20 years of experience in road maintenance and over 25 years in home renovation and property management, I’ve developed strong skills in budgeting, planning, and project oversight. These roles have taught me how to manage timelines and collaborate effectively with contractors. While I’m well-versed in these areas, I’m eager to expand my knowledge and learn the full scope of trustee duties. I believe a trustee can learn on the job with dedication and a commitment to growth.

Marsic: I will be completing my 20^th year as trustee, with several more years of zoning commission and BZA experience. I live and own a business within our community, so I have desires to keep it a place that current and new residents appreciate. Land use and economic development go hand in hand in Montville Township as we are limited. I also attend the annual budget hearings for the township as it adds to the knowledge that you could “learn on the job” as I am still doing.

Ricket: I served on the Montville zoning board for about a year. There was still a ton to learn, however, I do construction and have to work with zoning in different counties and townships. Before I was self-employed, I had a job where I had to write my budgets and make my budgets and I was able to consistently save money without sacrificing quality. I currently own my own business and manage all the finances as well as doing the work. This also gives me experience in negotiating contracts with vendors and subcontractors. The question is do you apply what you learned?

Weigle: I have served on the Montville zoning commission for seven years, gaining experience in board service and community decision-making.  While trustees can learn on the job, it is essential to begin with a solid understanding of township priorities – roads, fire protection, and resident services which I already possess.

5. Some entities have adjusted zoning to increase business and development, while others have worked to protect or preserve undeveloped land. What is your vision for zoning and development in your township? Do you feel changes should be made in zoning laws or policies? If yes, how so?

Lawson: Montville’s rural charm is one of its greatest assets, and zoning should preserve that unique character. While maintaining this balance, we must also improve functionality and access to resources. Zoning should support responsible development that fosters local business growth and infrastructure, without compromising our rural feel. Any changes should aim for sustainable development that benefits both residents and future growth while protecting our land and open spaces.

Marsic: Another land use survey may be needed to get feedback from our residents and property owners on this issue.  The last Montville Township Land Use survey sent out, resulted in the majority wanting to keep the rural nature in the township so we need to protect that in every manner. The township is also limited in our Industrial zones, but I would always be open minded to new development if it does not affect nearby residents in a negative manner. Zoning laws and policies are good to have but there is more to be desired regarding “enforcement of” violations.

Ricket: Montville Township still has plenty of undeveloped commercial land. I think it’s critical in Montville to protect the country atmosphere that we have, however as a representative of the people, my personal opinion is less important than the people that I represent.

Weigle: Montville residents value our rural character and large-lot zoning, and I share that vision. I believe we should preserve this rural feel while supporting existing local businesses, rather than pursuing large-scale development.

6. Some townships have merged Police and/or Fire/EMS services with neighboring communities or the county, while others remain independent. What do you feel is the best approach? Should changes be made in your township?

Lawson: We have an independent fire department, which the community values, and we also rely on outside services for roads and sheriff support. This balance of local control and outside resources has worked well for us. I don’t believe changes are needed at this time, but we should continue to evaluate the system to ensure it meets the community’s needs effectively.

Marsic: Montville doesn’t have a police department, but I have conversed with neighboring communities about fire department districting. I believe by joining services, if done properly, could result in a larger pool of available personnel for improved responses, less fire apparatus and ambulances needed that cost tremendous amounts of funding to replace. We have outstanding and dedicated personnel currently operating the department. My concerns are long term since it may take years to form any type of districting. Montville has joined road department services by utilizing the county Engineer Resource Program for road maintenance and snow plowing already in our township.

Ricket: I believe voters opinion matters most on this however, merging always comes with the concerns of will we get the same quality of service. As it sets financially there may not be a logical solution to build a fire department centralized to neighboring townships and with two stations merging might imply one of them is closing, which then would result in one of the townships not getting serviced as quickly and that is not an option for the safety of our residents.

Weigle: I believe Montville should seriously consider creating a fire district, which could improve service delivery while helping offset property tax burdens for residents.

7. There have been movements both on the local and state level for property tax reform and relief. Do you believe property taxes need reform? If so, what would you do, as trustees, to provide property tax relief to residents and/or work with legislators on reform?

Lawson: I understand the concerns around property taxes. While homeowners may feel burdened, taxes are essential for funding services. I wouldn’t support reducing property taxes without a clear plan to ensure continued funding for the community. As trustee, I would work with residents and legislators to explore balanced reforms that provide relief while maintaining essential services for our township’s growth and stability.

Marsic: Property tax reform is needed but so is the state’s school funding which has not been figured out. When the township trustees see what the General Assembly comes up with regarding tax relief, we may be able to answer that better. As a Montville Township trustee, I participated in a tax levy reduction right after the reappraisals came out to offset the amount of increase. We then allowed a 1.5 levy to expire in 2024 while still maintaining a balanced budget. Every year brings new challenges, and we need to be pro-active.

Ricket: I am not a fan of property taxes however, that is how your local government is funded if property taxes are removed they’re just going to tax somewhere else. If it is sales tax, who chooses where the money is delegated? will that defund less populated areas and increase funding and more populated areas? There’s a lot of dynamics that have not been outright discussed. People are using hot words like property tax reform, but nobody’s talking about the implications of it.

Weigle: Yes. Residents are already taxed enough, and  property tax reform is necessary, and on overdue from the state of Ohio. As trustee, I would oppose new levies, work to maximize existing funds, and actively lobby the state legislature to provide property tax relief.