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Tremont City candidates talk about their priorities

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By Bridgette Outten, Staff Writer Updated 8:35 AM Friday, October 23, 2009

TREMONT CITY — Common themes among several candidates running for Tremont City’s village council include fiscal responsibility and village safety.

Some candidates also expressed concern that people have voiced support of dissolving the village to become part of German Twp.

With eight candidates running for four council seats, voters will have to decide who is the best for the job Nov. 3.

Clifford L. Allen, Jayne Athey, Larry Blevins, Vicki Blevins, Steve Heider, Mark J. Hunger, Ryan Pequignot and Jeffrey A. Thompson are running for city council.

Current Mayor Tony Flood is running for re-election against David Shaw, but Shaw’s votes will probably not be counted because Shaw requested detachment from the village.

Flood said his priorities include maintaining the village’s police department and continuing with infrastructure and drainage projects.

Shaw declined to comment.

Council incumbents

Athey, an incumbent in her fourth year as a council member, said her priorities include the safety and well-being of village residents and continued improvements of the village.

“Community atmosphere is very important to me,” she said.

She said the current council is working on grants for road improvements and continued maintenance of the village park.

Athey is not in favor of dissolving the village.

“I really want Tremont City to remain its own entity,” she said.

Mark Hunger, who has been on the council for two years, echoed the sentiment.

“I like the small town atmosphere,” he said. “I think it would be a shame to give it over to a bigger government body and lose our voice.”

Hunger said he would work to eradicate some of the “divisiveness” within the village.

Incumbent Jeffrey Thompson was not immediately available for comment.

Council opponents

Larry and Vicki Blevins, husband and wife on the ballot, have similar goals for the village.

“But she’s got her own mind,” added Larry Blevins. “She doesn’t agree with everything I say.”

Larry Blevins spent 14 years on the council, 12 of them as president, until about three years ago, he said.

“The reason I’m running now is to unite a divided community,” he said, also alluding to talk about dissolving the township.

Larry Blevins said he would also focus on grants for the village park and infrastructure, including drainage systems.

Vicki Blevins was unable to comment due to an illness.

Cliff Allen, who served on the council several years ago, said there were many reasons why he decided to try again.

“It seems to me that there’s been a bit of mismanagement,” he said. “People don’t seem to be real happy with the (council members) there now.”

Candidates Steve Heider and Ryan Pequignot were not available for comment.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0374 or boutten@coxohio.com.

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The top priority for the Tremont City village council really should be "how do we become something other than a dumpy little speed trap town that everyone in the area avoids like the plague?"

Insti-gator
10:26 PM, 11/3/2009

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I believe the council members have done an excellent job. My husband, and the others have done alot for our community to improve and keep morale up!I have lived in this community pretty much my whole life and I feel if you don't have pride in your community Then get out!!! I'm tired of listening to people bashing our community and our follow citizens! I love Tremont, we should all come together and become one to improve our commity and not to continue to bash it!

Charity Pendleton
8:25 PM, 11/2/2009

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I'm sorry but I agree with the majority, if Mr. Shaw no longer is part of the Village of Tremont I don't understand how he thinks he can be counted in the votes for Mayor. I personnally do not know this man or several others that's why I attended the Meet the Canidates last Sunday but was let down when all I saw was 4 and since I know their views and outlook for the Village of Tremont I pretty much know who I'm voting for November 3!

Joseph Mowers
6:24 AM, 10/30/2009

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On page C1 of the morning paper I quote,"both say communication with people is necessary for good leadership." Neither of these two people were at the town meeting last Sunday, "Meet the Canidates". One quote's he believes there could be a better use of taxpayers money..financial stabilty! Another quote,"It's about the community's voice. I would be an employee of the people." Who do they think the present council is doing things for, it's certainly not the pay and as for!

Joseph Mowers
6:18 AM, 10/30/2009

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