Meet the candidates for Coshocton County commissioner

Here is a look at the three Republican candidates running for Coshocton County commissioner. They will be on your primary election ballot Tuesday, May 5.

Chuck Ellis

Share a little bit about your background, education, employment, community involvement, et cetera:

I am a candidate for the Coshocton County commissioner position. I also am a father of four and grandfather of nine who hopes his family will be able to reside in this county for many years to come.

Our family has been active in Fresno Bible Church, youth sports, Coshocton County Junior Fair and numerous other activities. I have recently retired as the president and owner of Pearl Valley Cheese, which has operated in both the agricultural and business sectors of the county for nearly 100 years. Our management team has enabled the company to increase employment and production exponentially since the 1990s.

Why do you want to serve in this position?

Over my nearly 40 years in the county, I have witnessed the generous community spirit of so many individuals and organizations that make Coshocton a desirable place to live and raise a family. However, I’ve also seen the loss of manufacturing businesses, a drop in our overall population and an increase in the average age of our citizens due to the exodus of younger residents. A shortage of good jobs and affordable housing is a problem that needs immediate attention from the leadership of the county. New construction at the Conesville Industrial Park and the waterline infrastructure projects that are underway are a good first step, but much more needs to happen.

Local businesses that hire local people and purchase goods and services provided locally multiply their economic impact in the county far beyond the actual dollars spent. For example, some studies indicate a company that spends $1 million per year on payroll and other goods and services can generate more than $3 million in overall economic benefits to a community.

Currently, our county is experiencing serious financial conditions that have resulted in budget cuts in all county agencies and departments. If elected, I will focus on the need to make our county an attractive investment opportunity for businesses, developers and homeowners, all the while being attentive to the need to preserve our prime farmland.

Coshocton County’s long-term solution goes well beyond promises of “fiscal responsibility.” I believe the attraction of new business investment, combined with the expansion of existing businesses, is the remedy for the current financial dilemma. I’m encouraging all residents to consider buying locally whenever possible to support our local merchants with the realization that local spending results in multiplied benefits to the county and our fellow residents.

Why should voters vote for you?

Consider voting for me, as someone who has firsthand knowledge of the needs of businesses and the impact they can have in a community like Coshocton. If elected, I will strive to make our county a place where agriculture prospers, businesses grow and families thrive. If you would like to know more about my experience and views, please visit our website at www.ellisforcoshocton.com.

Dean Hettinger

Share a little bit about your background, education, employment, community involvement, et cetera:

I am currently 53 years old and was just 12 when my parents purchased a small farm outside of Warsaw, moving our family to Coshocton County in 1985.

From the moment I arrived, I fell in love with this community. I graduated from River View High School in 1990 and earned an associate degree in police science from MATC.

In 1994 I began my career with the Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office, eventually serving as sergeant of the road patrol in 2000, lieutenant over the road patrol and detective division in 2012, and finishing as chief deputy. During my career I was a founding member of the special response team and completed extensive training including SWAT I and II, police motorcycle certification, range master, and numerous leadership programs. I also received multiple awards and commendations including several life saving awards.

In 1998 I married my wife Jennifer, a paramedic with Coshocton County EMS. We have two children, Bailey and Owen, both graduates of River View High School.

Why do you want to serve in this position?

My commitment to Coshocton County continues beyond law enforcement. I graduated from Leadership Coshocton in 2014, was honored as a Hometown Hero by Peoples Bank, and currently serve as president of the United Way Board and the Coshocton County Board of Developmental Disabilities, completing my full term of service at the end of this year. Serving this community, professionally and personally, has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

Why should voters vote for you?

Since moving to Coshocton County in 1985, I quickly fell in love with this community and knew on our small farm is where I wanted to raise my future family. Over the years I’ve come to understand just how special this county is and how important it is we continue to protect and strengthen it for future generations.

As a young man, I began serving this community through my career in law enforcement with the goal of helping to make Coshocton County a safe and thriving place for families to live. That commitment to service has never changed.

I see the county commissioner’s office as an opportunity to continue serving the people of Coshocton County in a new way. It is a position that plays a critical role in shaping the future of our county — supporting responsible growth, protecting taxpayer resources, and ensuring our community remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.

I understand how important this role is, and I believe the experience I possess in leadership, fiscal responsibility, efficiency in government and commitment to service can help move Coshocton County forward.

Charles Selders

Please share a little bit about your background, education, employment, community involvement, et cetera:

I am a 1986 graduate of River View High School. I've been employed at Kraft Heinz in Coshocton for 31 years. For my 31 years at Kraft, I've been faithfully involved in the United Food and Commercial Workers Union as a union rep. I've also been a Tuscarawas Township trustee for 25 years.

I'm a retired captain of the Three Rivers Fire District with 23 years of service. I've been married to my wife Stacey for 33 years and have two children and four grandchildren.

Why do you want to serve in this position?

With my 25 years of local government experience, I have knowledge for this position.

Why should voters vote for you?

I think the people of Coshocton County deserve a person who will be conservative, transparent, and will be out in the public to talk to people and to listen to their thoughts and ideas — someone who cares about infrastructure growth, someone who cares about how the working people in Coshocton County's tax dollars are spent. I'm not afraid to spend money, but I won't waste it.