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BRISTOL -- Doug Seemann and Brian Sloan are seeking a seat on the township's board of trustees in the Nov. 7 election with the departure of Trustee Mark Webb, who is not running for reelection.
A township trustee is paid $13,608 per year.
Seemann, who served as a trustee from 2006 to 2021, was reappointed to the board Oct. 1 to fill an opening left by former Trustee Ramon French, who retired in August after 41 years in the position.
Seemann, if elected, said he would start a new term and trustees would appoint another person in January to fill what's left of French's unexpired term.
"I missed being a trustee," Seemann said of why he decided to run again and why he put his name in to fill the seat left open by French's retirement.
He said his areas of focus include the fire department, for which voters will determine the outcome of a 2-mill, five-year additional levy on the ballot, and how to meet the department's needs if voters disapprove. He said he'll also look into the maintenance of township roads and seek state Issue 2 funds and grants to help with projects.
In addition, Seemann said he wants to see the historical museum at the Congregational Church building continue and expand, and have the roof of the former church addressed.
Seemann plans to speak with fellow trustees about hosting an annual community festival, which many residents have told him they want.
He said he also wants to see the annual Christmas tree lighting continue.
Sloan said he wants to pick up where French left off. He wants to continue to preserve historical buildings and the history of Bristol in general. The fire department, he said, is another priority for him.
"I would like to keep our fire department viable while keeping as much of our community's hard-earned money in their pockets, especially during these times of high inflation," he said.
"I feel I will serve my community to the best of my ability, while making decisions that I know won't be pleasing to some, but will be best for Bristol Township as a whole."
Sloan said another priority is fostering pride from citizens of their community.
"I feel a community without pride within itself will soon see the effects of the negativity," he said.
Sloan, who has lived in Bristol for 33 years, previously served four years on the board of education for the Bristol Local School District.
Meet the candidates
• Doug Seemann
Age: 67
Previous experience: Bristol trustee, 2006-2021
Goals: Maintenance of township roads, repair of Congregational Church, return of township festival and work on historical museum to preserve history
• Brian Sloan
Age: 54
Previous experience: Bristol Local School District board of education, four years
Goals: Keep the fire department viable, and continue to preserve local historical buildings and the history of Bristol in general