May's Primary Ballot Takes Shape

Contested Races Abound for Troy City Council

Last week, candidates and issues for the upcoming primary election in May were met with a filing deadling to get on the ballot. From the filings, it appears the upcoming primary election in May, promises to be a significant event for local governance and public services. Voters will face decisions on various tax levies and, in Troy, determine the composition of the City Council for terms beginning in 2026.

The Troy City Council elections are shaping up to be particularly noteworthy, with several contested races that will significantly influence the city's leadership. The race for the three at-large council seats is drawing considerable attention. Four candidates, all Republicans, are vying for these positions: newcomer Kay Friedly and incumbents Todd Severt, Lynne Snee, and Susan Westfall. This contest will be decided in the May 6 primary election, as all candidates are from the same party.

In the 3rd Ward, an intriguing race is developing between two Republican candidates: incumbent Samuel Pierce, coming of a loss for County Recorder faces political newcomer Madison Hickman. In the city’s 1st Ward, voters will see a face-off between Republican incumbent Jeffrey Whidden and Democratic challenger Jeffrey Harris. However, this contest will not be settled until the November general election, as the candidates represent different parties. The 6th Ward race pits Republican incumbent Jeffrey Schilling against challenger Sherrie Foster, also a Republican. This contest will be resolved in the May primary.

Several incumbents are running unopposed, including Council President William Rozell, Kristie Marshall in the 2nd Ward, Bobby Phillips in the 4th Ward, and William Twiss in the 5th Ward. While these races lack competition, they still play a crucial role in shaping Troy's future leadership.The position of Troy city treasurer will see a change, with Bill Whidden, a Republican, running for the office. The incumbent, Mel Shane, has chosen not to seek re-election for another four-year term.

Alongside the council races, voters will decide on several tax levies that could significantly impact local services and education. The Troy-Miami County Public Library system is seeking an additional 1-mill property tax for five years to cover current expenses. This levy would affect residents in the Troy, Miami East, Newton, and Bethel school districts. If approved, it would cost homeowners an additional $35 annually per $100,000 of property value.

Newberry Township is proposing a replacement property tax of 3.5 mills for five years, aimed at funding fire protection and emergency medical services. This levy would apply to property owners in the unincorporated area of the township. If passed, it would increase the annual cost from $99.74 to $122.50 per $100,000 of property value.

The Milton-Union school district is making another attempt to secure additional funding, this time proposing a five-year, 0.75% earned income tax. This comes after voters rejected a similar request last November. The district emphasizes that it has not received new operating money in over 15 years. If approved, this levy would cost $375 annually for someone with $50,000 in taxable income.

Several districts are seeking to renew existing taxes, which would maintain current tax rates but extend them for additional years. Bethel schools are requesting a renewal of their 0.75% income tax for five years to cover current operating expenses. Tipp City schools are asking voters to renew an emergency property tax of 2.97 mills for five years, also for current expenses. In the unincorporated areas of Staunton Township, a renewal of a 4-mill property tax for five years is being sought to fund fire and emergency medical services.

The May Primary election in Miami County, particularly in Troy, presents voters with crucial decisions that will shape local governance, education, and public services for years to come. The contested races for Troy City Council offer opportunities for both continuity and change in leadership, while the various tax levies reflect ongoing efforts to maintain and improve community resources. As the election approaches, residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the candidates and issues to make informed decisions at the ballot box.

The deadline for filing nomination petitions for the May ballot was Wednesday at the county Board of Elections. The candidate petitions still need to be certified by the board. If all candidate petitions are certified, voters will decide the winners of these contested races. It's worth noting that the deadline for write-in candidates to file is February 24.This election cycle underscores the importance of local politics and community engagement.

The outcomes of these races and levy votes will have tangible impacts on the daily lives of Miami County residents, from the quality of public services to the direction of local policy. As such, it's crucial for voters to stay informed about the candidates' platforms and the potential effects of the proposed tax levies.

The diversity of contested races in Troy's City Council elections demonstrates a healthy democratic process, with both newcomers and incumbents vying for the opportunity to serve their community — and is something voters in Troy are not used to seeing. In 2023, none of the council members faced an election. In fact, it’s not a stretch to say this is the first time in a generation where not only will there be a contested race for at-large council seats, but also three contested ward races.

The amount of interest in these races can be analyzed a number of ways; are residents frustrated with the way their community is being run? Are residents feeling more empowered to be a part of their community? Regardless, these elections provide a real and tangible chioce for residents to shape the future of their city, choosing representatives who align with their vision for Troy's development and governance.

Meanwhile, the various tax levies on the ballot reflect the ongoing challenges faced by local institutions and school districts in maintaining and improving their services. From education to emergency services and public libraries, these levies represent critical funding decisions that will influence the quality of life in Miami County for years to come. As voters consider these proposals, they'll need to weigh the potential benefits against the financial impact on their households.

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