Ohio LWV Voters Guide 2020

ELECTION 2020 VOTERS GUIDE 12 November 2020 HHHHHHHH Montgomery County ANSWER #2: The current commissioners have done a horrible job in addressing this problem. $92 million was given to the county by the Federal government in May, and 4 MONTHS later, only $7.5 million has reached the hands of our county residents who are in desperate need. In contrast, I will address this as a CRISIS, and distribute the money immediately to people to pay their rent, buy their food, and keep their business in operation. Montgomery County Clerk of Courts Vote for 1 Responsibilities: To issue, receive, and maintain legal documents, enter judgments, and collect court costs, fines, fees, and restitution for appellate and common pleas courts, and also to issue and transfer automobile and water craft certificates of title. * indicates incumbent QUESTION #1: What ideas do you have to make the office of the Clerk of Courts operate more effectively? QUESTION #2: What makes you the best qualified candidate for this position? ZACH DICKERSON (D) BIO: Zach is a licensed attorney with a decade of legal technology experience working at LexisNexis. He is active with the Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Project and serves on the Board of Zoning Appeals for Miami Township. ANSWER #1: The Clerk needs a background in technology. Our courts are heavily reliant on complex software to run their daily operations. The Clerk is responsible for managing that technology and protecting it. But our current Clerk failed and a devastating cyber attack paralyzed court systems for almost two weeks. I have the background and experience to do better. If elected, I will make cyber security a top priority. ANSWER #2: I am a licensed attorney and I work at one of the largest legal technology companies in the world. I am the only candidate in this race with a background in both law and technology.Those things go to the heart of this job. Everything I have done in my professional life has prepared me to be the Clerk of Courts and I would be proud to serve. MIKE FOLEY* (R) BIO: From Cincinnati; Graduated from Ohio State University; US Army and Ohio National Guard Veteran; Opened the First Watch restaurants in Dayton; Appointed Ohio Deputy Registrar; Small businesses owner for over 20 years; Elected Montgomery Clerk of Courts in 2018 ANSWER #1: Since elected, the Clerk’s Office has brought transformative practices to the forefront, as technology has played a central role in improving efficiencies. My administration has recently implemented a text message notification system, online and over the counter credit card payment processing, and a Help Center to bring extra resources to those seeking help navigating the legal system. My priorities continue to be both Technology and Customer Service! ANSWER #2: As a former Ohio Deputy Registrar, veteran, and small business owner, I believe in running a government office efficiently and effectively. I committed to putting $1,000,000/ year, for five years, back into the CountyTreasury for various County needs. Giving back to the Community is important to me, so several times a week, experts from my Office are sent to various neighborhoods to assist residents where they live, work, and raise their families. Montgomery County Treasurer Vote for 1 Responsibilities: To collect taxes in the county and its subdivisions, disburse expenditures, and invest the county’s funds. * indicates incumbent QUESTION #1: What do you see as the most important responsibility of the Treasurer? QUESTION #2: What makes you the best qualified candidate for this position? RUSS JOSEPH* (D) BIO: Graduate of Carroll High School & the University of Dayton, Montgomery County Treasurer (2019-Pres), Montgomery County Clerk of Courts (17-18), Chief Deputy Clerk, Dayton Municipal Court (07-17), Associate Board Member Dayton Art Institute, Past Board President House of Bread ANSWER #1: My role as Treasurer is to collect property tax dollars that fund local community services like our schools and emergency services. I have led Montgomery County to two of the most successful tax collections in the last 20 years. As Chief Investment Officer, I increased our investment income by 37% and oversee a $580 million portfolio. I will continue to focus on improving customer service and safeguarding the fiscal security of the county. ANSWER #2: With twenty years of leadership experience, I know what it takes to run an efficient and effective office.When our community was struck by tornadoes and then COVID-19, I provided financial relief by extending tax deadlines and offering payment plans. To improve customer service, I launched a user-friendly payment website and slashed fees. I am proud of what I’ve accomplished as Treasurer and promise to continue improving customer service and to protect our tax dollars. JOHN MCMANUS (R) BIO: John McManus is a career public servant at the local, state, and federal levels. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Doctor of Jurisprudence. John is a former Dayton Board of Education member and resides in Dayton’s Belmont neighborhood. ANSWER #1: The Montgomery County Treasurer is primarily responsible for serving as the county’s chief tax collector, banker, and investment officer. Gathering the resources necessary for local government to operate is a critical role of the office. It is equally important that the Treasurer effectively pursue delinquent taxes across Montgomery County. Upon collection of tax revenue, it is vital that the Treasurer ensures that tax revenues are protected and fully accounted for while in the county’s treasury. ANSWER #2: I currently serve the people of Montgomery County as Chief Deputy Clerk of Courts. In my former role as the Dayton Board of Education Vice President and Finance Chairman, I oversaw an annual operating budget of nearly half a billion dollars. I fought hard for taxpayers, speaking out against tax increases and runaway spending. I am committed to fighting for lower taxes for Montgomery County residents who are amongst the highest taxed residents in Ohio. Montgomery County Coroner Vote for 1 Responsibilities: To determine the cause of death of persons dying in a violent or suspicious manner and to issue death certificates. *Indicates incumbent KENT E. HARSHBARGER* (R) This is not a contested race. No other candidate was certified for this race. Montgomery County Engineer Vote for 1 Responsibilities: To oversee the construction, maintenance, and repair of all bridges in the county, and of county roads and other public improvements except buildings in the county. *Indicates incumbent PAULW. GRUNER* (D) This is not a contested race. No other candidate was certified for this race.