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CHAMPION -- Two women and two men, including the incumbent, are running in the Nov. 7 election for one seat on the township's board of trustees.
Seeking election are Holly Capron, Breanna Johnson and Rick York, while William Templeton is seeking reelection.
A township trustee is paid $17,638 per year.
Capron, who said she became active in the community when she was among a group of people who got signatures in her neighborhood to have a sound barrier put up in the township, said part of the reason she is running is to give voters a choice.
"One of my concerns is the theft and drug houses and 'prostitution houses' that have been busted by the feds in my neighborhood. I've lived two places in the township and have called the police more in the past nine years than the five prior … I am a big supporter of the police and fire," Capron said.
"This community is fortunate to have both full-time fire and police that respond to both emergency and nonemergency calls."
She said she would like to see more community events and eventually a community building or center built, possibly on the property of the old school building owned by the township.
"This area has potential for growth with industry …," she said.
Capron said Champion needs to move forward, and the township probably could access various grants and resources to do so.
Trustees and department heads, she said, have taken the initiative to seek grants and public funding for projects.
Johnson said she's in the race because "I feel I can help Champion move forward."
Johnson said she will focus on public safety, noting first responders need to be able to do their jobs safely.
Also, she said she would like to see the township's zoning updated to help attract new business.
In addition, she said she would like to create a committee to help bring events and people to Champion. Doing so, she said, would benefit existing businesses.
"I want it to be known that I will always listen to what anyone in the community has to say and never make a judgment based on my personal beliefs, opinions or agendas," she said. "I will always make the best decision for the people of Champion."
Johnson said if she is not educated on a topic, she would learn about it before making a vote.
"The only personal agenda I have is to see Champion flourish," she said.
Templeton, the incumbent, previously served as trustee from 1994-97 and 2011-14. His most recent term began in 2020.
"Champion has always been a bedroom community and things are finally changing," he said. "We have new businesses coming, one being the $7.5 million business on Research Boulevard under construction with plans on opening next year and jobs becoming available."
Templeton said other businesses want to come to Champion with Mercy Health being a strong possibility.
He said with his 12 years of experience he will help keep the township moving forward.
Templeton said it is important to stay within budget, account for every penny and not overspend in order to lessen the burden on residents.
"I am all for new leadership, just not at this time," he said. "Champion is finally opening up, and I want to personally be able to continue to help make all this progress come to light. The citizens of Champion are the No. 1 priority, have always been and will always be."
York said he would focus on the safety of residents, financial accountability, maximizing economic growth and minimizing the impact of change to the community.
York said he spent the last three months listening to the residents. During that time, he said, he has learned a lot. Some, he said, say they want economic growth. Others, he said, want a park.
"The one thing they all have in common -- no more taxes," York said.
York said he wants to give back to the community.
"It's my desire to lead a team of committed individuals through the changes that are going to allow our community to prosper, grow and keep that hometown country atmosphere," York said.
"I have some great ideas that I think will address a lot of our wishes. I think if we are willing to start working together for the better of the community, we can accomplish many things."
Meet the candidates
• Holly Capron
Age: 49
Previous experience: None
Goals: Support for the police and fire departments, more community events, a community building or center and seek grants and public funding for projects.
• Breanna Johnson
Age: 33
Previous experience: None
Goals: Focus on public safety, update zoning to help bring in business and start a community events committee to help bring events and people into the township.
• William Templeton
Age: 68
Previous experience: Trustee, 1994-97, 2011-14 and 2020-present.
Goals: Stay within budget, bring new business to the community to help create jobs and continue to move the township forward.
• Rick York
Age: 64
Previous experience: None
Goals: Safety of the residents, financial accountability, maximizing economic growth and minimizing the impact of change to the community.