Hetrick, Polter vie for commissioner's seat

Editor's Note: To help our readers become more informed voters, The Clyde Enterprise will publish brief information on candidates in contested political races that will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot. Candidates were sent questionnaires. Following is information on the three candidates running for the Sandusky County Commissioner, Democrat Michael Hetrick and Republican Danny Polter.

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Danny L. Polter, 56, resides at 2275 Co. Rd. 239 Fremont. He is a farmer and co-owner with his wife, Carol, and sons, Tony and Steve, in Polter Berry Farm. Polter has served as a Riley Township Trustee since 998.

A 1969 graduate of Fremont Ross High School, Polter earned his bachelor of science degree in agricultural economics from The Ohio State University in 1973.

Polter is a member of the Townsend Ruritan club (past president); Fremont Grace Lutheran Church where he served on church council and church endowment board; the Sandusky County Farm Bureau (past board member); the Sandusky County Farmers Union; Ohio Fruit and Vegetable Growers (past board member); was appointed by Ohio Secretary of Agriculture to the Ohio Small Fruit and Vegetable Research Committee (1998-2006); is a lifetime member of The Ohio State Alumni Association; and the Fremont Elks.

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Michael H. Hetrick, 68, resides at 1956 Melody Dr., Fremont. He is a sales representative for Perrysburg Pipe & Supply and served as a Sandusky Township Trustee for eight years. He was a member of the Sandusky County Agricultural Society for 18 years, including serving three years as president.

Hetrick is a 1958 graduate of St. Joseph's High School, Fremont, attended Ohio University for two years and served six years in the U.S. Army Active Reserves.

Hetrick is married to Judy and they have two children, Shannon Reardon, 39, and Brandi Wammes, 38.

He is a member of the Fremont Elks Lodge; the Thurston Zuir American Legion Post (past commander); volunteer teacher for Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; the Fremont Yacht Club (past commodore); is a board member of St. Francis Healthcare Centre; and the Sandusky County Township Association (past president)/

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Why are you seeking the office?

"After living and working in Sandusky County all my life, and raising a family here, and after 10 years working as an elected Trustee in Riley Township, I've seen how important it is to have a county government that's responsive to all of its residents. I know how local government works, and I want to bring my experience as a successful businessman and a locally elected official to the office of Sandusky County Commissioner," said Polter.

"I have lived in Sandusky County 65 of my 68 years. I went to school here, go to church here, ran a business here and helped my wife raise a family here. And thanks to the people of this county I have enjoyed doing all of this and I feel now is an opportune time to give something back to the county," said Hetrick.

What are top three goals if elected?

"I will work to increase economic growth and jobs in Sandusky County. I will work to maintain fiscal responsibility in the management of the county government and to continue the open communications and good working relationship with all government offices the current county commissioners have developed," said Polter.

"1. Work with other county office holders and departments to have a balanced budget without raising taxes. 2. Working with other county, township and city constituents on economic and workforce development. 3. Work with the townships and cities for affordable rural water and affordable sewage for suburban and rural residents, and where needed, for improved storm water and surface drainage," said Hetrick.

How will you work to accomplish them?

"I will work with all economic development directors in Sandusky County to help existing businesses expand and attract new companies to establish their business in Sandusky County. I will bring my experience of managing a successful business to county government. This business sense will translate into your county government being managed with good business principals," said Polter.

"Work with whoever necessary for a safe and healthy environment for the people of Sandusky County," said Hetrick.