Cathy Anspach
CLEARCREEK TWP., Warren County — Springboro and Clearcreek Twp. voters will select two of three township trustees in the November election. Choices range from Ed Wade, an incumbent with 32 years as a trustee, to Cathy Anspach, a political newcomer. Dr. Greg McDonald, an incumbent with 11 years on the board, and Jack Chrisman, a former school board candidate in Lebanon, also will be the ballot.
Chrisman, best known for anti-tax signs posted in opposition to school levies in Lebanon and Springboro, promoted Anspach, who likewise thought she should be elected instead of McDonald and Wade.
“They’ve been in there for quite some time. A woman would bring fresh, new ideas to the table,” she said.
Wade and McDonald have been in office during development of Patricia Allyn Park and a master plan charting the growing community’s future development. Both are active and well-known in the city, while the challengers both live and are better known in the part of the township near Lebanon.
Last year, McDonald was criticized for pressing representatives of a proposed Kroger store near his home.
State ethics officials have yet to publicly rule on questions about Wade’s insurance agency’s role in administering the township’s health insurance claims, raised in October 2008 by state auditors. The board has ended the relationship. The board also has not replaced former fire chief Bernie Becker, who retired in June 2008 after firefighters filed complaints about him.
Anspach, a bar owner, and Chrisman, a landlord, want to delve into township finances.
“I want to see how the money is being spent up there,” Chrisman said.
Wade, who declined to be interviewed, stressed fiscal conservatism in a response to the League of Women Voters.
McDonald didn’t reply to the League of Women Voters’ query or requests for an interview.
Trustees are paid $20,568.
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