CHAMPION — Three write-in candidates are seeking to fill the unexpired two-year township trustee term remaining for Bill Templeton, who died in July 2024.

The three write-in candidates are Thomas Jeffers, Reginal Rooks Jr. and Dustin Templeton, who is the son of Bill Templeton. All three are marking their first time seeking public office.

The candidate selected in the Nov. 4 general election will serve in 2026 and 2027.

The two other full-time positions on the trustee board are being sought by incumbents Doug Emerine and Rick York, who was appointed to fill Bill Templeton’s seat in 2024.

York is now seeking one of the four-year seats because Rex Fee chose to not seek reelection. He and Emerine have no opposition and will take their seats in January.

JEFFERS

Jeffers said he has been attending trustee meetings for over a year and wants to focus on getting the fire and police departments funded.

He said there is concern when safety forces are understaffed.

Jeffers said he will look into getting grants, which will help the departments get needed items. He said he spoke to residents about their concerns while he was campaigning, and noted it will be difficult to get a levy passed.

Jeffers said he wants to maintain and support the services provided to the community and focus on improving communication with trustees by meeting more often with department heads.

“It is important to open up communication to make sure we are all on the same page,” he said.

Jeffers said he will get involved with the Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) started by the current trustees, which can benefit the township. The JEDD involves a new hospital being built by Mercy Health next to Trumbull Career & Technical Center and is a partnership with Warren.

He said he has the time to be an active trustee since he is retired.

Jeffers said he will work to have good communication with the residents to let them know what is taking place, and he would like to see residents more involved with community events.

ROOKS

Rooks said he will work with and provide support to the police and fire departments by addressing their needs,

He said the township trustees also should work with the school district on various projects and issues. He said the schools have many parent groups that can work with the township on community events. Rooks said he could serve as a mediator between the trustees and the schools.

Rooks said he also will look at ways to address flooding and drainage issues in parts of the township. He said as a member of the Champion Rotary, he can see how the organization can work more with township officials for events and projects.

He said he will work with and provide information to residents on the need to get levies passed that will help the township in serving the public such as fire, roads and police services.

“It is important as a trustee to be part of the community and what is taking place,” Rooks said.

TEMPLETON

Tempelton said he will work to make sure the police and fire departments have the equipment, tools, training and other necessities to respond to situations and provide safety protection to the community.

He said he will continue to improve communication between the different departments.

Templeton said he will monitor the township budget and ensure all decisions involving spending money is spent wisely on road maintenance, emergency repairs and special services as needed.

He said he will look at seeking various grants to help the township, which can reduce spending in the budget.

Templeton said he wants to bring new business to the community and ensure there are places for them to locate such as open lots and vacant storefronts.

He said the new township administration building should be utilized more by the residents.

Templeton said his father served as a trustee for 13 years and he wants to continue that legacy and dedication serving the community.

“I was raised in Champion and believe it is a great community to raise a family,” Templeton said.