BRACEVILLE — Two incumbent trustees are being challenged by two political newcomers for their seats on the township trustee board.

Current trustees Todd Garland and Jeff Tucker are seeking to retain their posts in the Nov. 4 general election as Carol Heller and Adam Rogers look to become new trustees.

TODD GARLAND

Garland, who has served a one four-year term as a trustee, said he wants to continue projects the current board started, such as removing blighted homes and other structures in the community including an old hotel on state Route 5.

He said trustees can work with the Trumbull Land Bank in seeking grants to continue to address blight. Garland said the township has been able to take 12 to 14 homes down.

Garland said he would like to see what can be done with the former Braceville High School property.

He said he will continue to get work done in the park such as improvements to the hiking trail. Garland said trustees have worked with local Scouts who completed Eagle Scout and other projects in the park.

Garland said he also will work to get more police, firefighters and emergency medical service.

He said the current safety service staff does its best in keeping the township safe.

Garland said the current trustee board has worked well together and has been a cohesive unit in making decisions for what is best for the township.

Garland also has served as the fire chief for the past 15 years but said he abstains on any motion by trustees related to the fire department and firefighters.

CAROL HELLER

Heller, who is marking her first time running for public office, said she will focus on cleaning up deteriorating homes and junk cars on Route 5 and other parts of the township.

Heller said she will look into securing grants from the U.S. Department of Justice and other agencies for the police department to help attract more officers.

She said staffing has been a concern.

She said as a trustee she will focus on getting more involvement and interaction with the residents and their needs. Heller said she would like to see more residents at the meetings and find a way to broadcast them for those unable to attend. She said it is important to keep residents informed.

Heller said she will work with the police to keep a senior watch program established for checking on senior residents of the township. She said she has always focused on care for the elderly residents.

Heller said she will look into mosquito spraying programs for the community.

ADAM ROGERS

Rogers, who is seeking public office for the first time, said transparency is a main issue, noting that trustees serve the public by making sure residents are made aware of all that takes place, including trustee decisions and upkeep of the township.

He said he will look into getting high speed internet access for the residents noting it has taken time.

Rogers said other issues as a trustee will be continued maintenance of the roads, improvements at the park and looking at what can be done with the former Braceville High School building.

He said the building currently has a gym and wants to look into grants to see what can be done to make improvements.

Rogers said with his recreation director background he can look at programs to be offered to the community at the park.

JEFF TUCKER

Tucker, who has served two terms as a trustee, said he would look at ways to attract commercial business to the Route 5 corridor, which has land available for growth.

He said he would also like to work with the Trumbull County Metroparks board to get the historic cabin in the township restored and moved to the township center across from the township hall.

Tucker said finding ways to get more police officers and firefighters is a major issue for many communities. He said as a trustee he will work to find ways to be able to get more staff, provide them pay that is comparable to other communities and retain staff.

Tucker said the trustees can look into getting a grant writer to help the township secure grants and help stretch the current township tax dollars. He said it is important to do what is possible to help the taxpayers.

He said he will work with county officials to get additional waterline projects for the community. Tucker said he will see what can be done to expand waterlines in the township.