Four candidates are competing for two open Newbury Township trustee seats in the Nov. 4 election. They are Steven Boughner, Carly Sayre and incumbents William Skomrock and Greg Tropf. Below are their responses to our candidate questionnaire.
Four candidates are competing for two open Newbury Township trustee seats in the Nov. 4 election. They are Steven Boughner, Carly Sayre and incumbents William Skomrock and Greg Tropf. Below are their responses to our candidate questionnaire.
- Why are you seeking this position?
Boughner: I have been a lifelong resident of Newbury and have been involved with our community for many years. Currently, I am on the zoning board serving as zoning chairperson. As a trustee I hope to promote a sense of community by encouraging resident participation while equally representing those who may be involved with family or other daily obligations.
Sayre: As a proud Newbury graduate, I’d be honored to serve the hard-working residents of Newbury. It’s time to bring fresh perspectives and new energy to our township! I believe in accountability, transparency, and community collaboration.
Many residents are unhappy with the inability to address their concerns timely, or even at all. Poor and lengthy decision making, lack of execution, and no vision for the future for Newbury. My tenacity and professional experience position me to deliver thoughtful, effective progress for the benefit of Newbury, and I urge residents to vote for change.
Skomrock: I really enjoy being a trustee. It gives me the opportunity to interact with the residents and businesses and make Newbury a better place to live. There are also a couple projects and ideas for the future that I would like to see come to fruition.
Tropf: I am seeking the office of Newbury Township trustee for several reasons. I enjoy working for the community and having the opportunity to help residents with their concerns and needs. I also appreciate being a part of the progress made and I would like to continue working on various projects that will enhance the township and encourage controlled growth.
- If elected to this position, what would be your top priorities?
Boughner: As a Newbury Township trustee, my priorities would include a balanced and fair budget, planned and orderly growth of our community, as well as maintaining and improving the services which are provided by our local government.
Sayre: If elected, my top priorities would be to recover the transferred school property back for the Newbury community to decide next steps. Improve responsiveness for all resident concerns from both trustees and zoning and ensure that public services and future planning thoughtfully reflect Newbury residents’ priorities. Additionally, with diminishing volunteerism, it’s essential to foster an open and welcoming environment that encourages newcomers to get involved. Collaboration is key with elected trustees, and residents. Help me protect and improve the Newbury we all love for future generations.
Skomrock: First and foremost, would be to keep our taxes low. During my 24 years as trustee, the only tax increase for our residents was to build an addition and refurbish our fire station and hire full time and part-time fire/EMS personnel. The fire department is now staffed 24/7. Second, I also would see to it that our 38 miles of township roads remain in good repair for your safety.
Tropf: If elected my top priorities include ensuring that the township continues to be fiscally sound into the future, while providing quality government services. In addition, I will work with the township boards and community to improve the state Route 87 corridor to be a more attractive area.
- What project(s) would you like to see township government accomplish over the next four years?
Boughner: There are any number of projects which can be accomplished, even more that can be planned. Through my term as township trustee, I will identify the needs of our township and work with the residents of Newbury as well as community leaders to create a budget addressing those needs of those projects effectively. Newbury needs an updated land use plan. I will make the development of that plan a reality.
Sayre: In addition to acquiring the school property, I’d like to see a township wide feasibility survey on what residents like about Newbury, and what they would like to see changed, so we can determine what the future looks like. Online township meetings, which will create a better forum of discussion, while providing transparency. A more robust website with the ability to view zoning requests in real time, and the ability to offer residents more and better services. Projects are great, but they need to be well thought out, and executed, which is why my experience is key in driving Newbury forward.
Skomrock: I would like to see through the completion of the restroom facility at Oberland Park. I have a vision of having a community and rec-center at some point. I would like to include our residents with their input as to whether they are in favor of that vision. Also included in my vision, I would like to make Newbury a destination, instead of a pass-through community, again with community input.
Tropf: Over the next four years I would like to work on consolidating township assets to one central location making the township offices more accessible to the public and more cost effective. The project would entail creating a comprehensive plan for the former Newbury school property and the township’s Oberland Park. This plan would incorporate the existing ballfields with expanded trails, pickleball courts and a multi-use facility that could include a new townhall, service garage and community room.
- 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?”
Boughner: A trustee has a complex role with significant importance in a township. I have knowledge and experience in township zoning procedures, working with the county planning commission, re-zonings and land use planning. I will find common ground and allow all parties to participate in good faith negotiations. As township trustee, I will secure a fiscally responsible budget and maintain compliance with the laws and regulations which apply. I can always learn more and that’s how I will approach the trustee position.
Sayre: In my experience, I have not only led, planned, budgeted, negotiated, and developed several multi-million dollar automotive and industrial project development initiatives, but I have provided transparency and communication throughout, and most importantly, executed timely. Too many politicians talk about their “plans” for the future, but few execute. There will be a small learning curve of the local government process, but I am extremely agile and resourceful in getting what I need to get the job done. If you know me personally, you know I will work tirelessly for the residents of Newbury!
Skomrock: I bring 24 years of experience as trustee, significantly more than any other candidate. During those 24 years it has been an ever-changing environment, and I have had to adapt to those changes. As a trustee your learning curve is straight up vertical, and I have learned something at this job every day.
Tropf: I have been the liaison to both zoning boards and have gained years of experience working on re-zonings, land use, planning and zoning issues. I have also been directly involved in labor negotiations as well as participated in audit reviews. I have worked with our township officials as well as the county administration to ensure that Newbury Township is in good fiscal order. As trustee, our township’s budget has been approved for the last seven years. I do believe a trustee can learn on the job and should make use of all available resources.
- 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?
Boughner: As the current zoning commission chairperson, I am working with our board to keep our township a beautiful and vibrant community while looking to the future of inevitable growth. There are many properties in the township that require guidance and planning which will effectively create an ordered and planned growth of our community. My plan is to continue my work with the zoning commissioners to advance a new land use plan which will protect the community for years to come.
Sayre: Regarding zoning, I’d like to emphasize community input before any zoning amendments, laws, or policies are considered. However, Newbury needs a revamped zoning strategy while respecting the township’s conservative and preservation-minded culture. If I’m elected, I have some new ideas and concepts that I think Newbury residents would be excited to explore.
Additionally, I have experienced residents that are ready to help me elevate Newbury and bring it into 2025 and beyond. Trustees are elected by the people, for the people, and we need to listen to what they want to see for Newbury.
Skomrock: As I mentioned earlier, I would like to make Newbury a destination community not a pass-through community. In order to do this, there would need to be discussions with the community for input and ideas. As far as zoning, it is an ever-changing document that regulates land use and development. I believe in the rural atmosphere we enjoy in Newbury. Economic development is crucial and welcome to our community, but it needs to be closely monitored so it doesn’t get out of hand. Newbury is open for business.
Tropf: My vision for zoning and township development is to see growth in our business districts while preserving the rural atmosphere. I believe changes need to be made in our zoning resolutions. The business district needs to allow more diverse uses than what is written now. Our professional office district needs to be addressed in certain areas to allow for growth. In addition, I believe that with the state, county and township parks along with lands that are under conservancy within our borders and our zoning resolutions, Newbury can remain rural with a mix of business uses.
- 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?
Boughner: We have and support our local fire department which has recently added full-time personnel to better serve our community. Our fire department currently works in conjunction with some of our surrounding departments to support and assist as needed for rescue, emergency and fire response. In the event of additional police requirements, I will reach out to the sheriff’s (office) to request additional patrols as necessary.
Sayre: I think Newbury’s fire/EMS department is extremely efficient in how they manage their budget, soft billing process, and calls. Today, they are private but cooperate very well with other communities via the MABAS boxes, ensuring prompt and adequate response. To consider any changes we would need to assess cost-efficiency vs. responsiveness. With an older demographic, emergency response time is crucial.
Collaboration with county or neighboring municipalities may promise cost savings, better training, and resource pooling. But local autonomy may be better for Newbury’s residents.
Skomrock: Newbury Township, a few years back, had a part-time police department that was funded out of the townships general and extra funding was needed. A levy was defeated which left no choice but to dissolve the PD. From that time going forward, the Geauga County sheriff has provided law enforcement for Newbury. The (Geauga County Sheriff’s Office) has done a phenomenal job protecting our residents! Our fire/EMS has just expanded their facility and refurbished the old section. These men and women provide excellent service to our community and work with surrounding fire/EMS with a mutual aid program. That works for us.
Tropf: Newbury Township does not have its own police department. The township is fortunate to be protected by the Geauga County Sheriff’s (Office) which provides not only regular patrols but also extended services that a small township police department would not be able to provide. I do not believe any changes to the fire/EMS are necessary. Our community voted in support of our fire department which includes a newly renovated facility and full time staff.
- 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?
Boughner: Our property tax system could use some reforms, but I oppose using a meat-cleaver approach. As a Newbury Township trustee, I will work to relieve the tax burden where possible, while being realistic as to the needs of our residents. I will work with government leaders to balance our budget and reduce taxes by budget control. I fully support the homestead tax relief and will work with county and state officials to cut property taxes for elderly people in our community.
Sayre: Yes, we need property tax reform, especially for those with fixed incomes. We need to explore freeze or rollback options for seniors, long-term owners, or tax stabilization initiatives. I have already started working with county officials to advocate for reforms that maintain local services while providing relief by creating a “financial help hub” to help residents apply for senior homestead exemptions, among other options. We need Newbury’s voices to be heard not only locally, but at the county, and state level, and I’m excited to be that liaison for Newbury’s residents.
Skomrock: I think we all agree that property tax is in need of reform, but how ?? There will need to be alternative funding measures to support our schools, safety services, roads, fire/ems and plethora of other services. I have heard of alternative funding ideas, none of which would give the townships the authority to create a revenue stream to replace the property tax revenues. This goes higher than the township level.
Tropf: Yes, I agree how and where property taxes are dispersed needs to be addressed. As trustees, we have reduced tax levies to lessen the burden on the community and welcome the opportunity to work with legislators on reform.
