LAMBERTVILLE — The candidates for Bedford Township supervisor, clerk, and treasurer discussed economic development, communication, and relationships with small businesses during a forum Thursday.

The candidates and about 75 people gathered at Indian Creek Zoo ahead of the Aug. 2 Republican primary election. The forum was organized by the Bedford Republican Club and Michele Paled, Monroe County Radio owner, was the moderator.

Supervisor

Incumbent Supervisor Greg Stewart is challenged by fellow Republican and current township trustee Paul Pirrone. The winner of the primary will face Democratic challenger Larry O’Dell, also a trustee, in November.

Mr. Stewart, who was elected in 2012, said it is important to build a vision for the township and extend it, which he claimed to have already begun. He touted the township’s 3 percent job growth, 150 newly created jobs the past three years, and a Brazilian company moving to the area.

“Economic development is about attitude and infrastructure,” Mr. Stewart said. “Businesses want consistency. They don’t want changes in the rules.”

Mr. Pirrone said he would have weekly meetings with the people he works with on a daily basis to establish better communication.

“When township meetings come up, we’ll be prepared and maybe we can answer questions before we even get to a meeting,” he said. “The last few years, I feel like we’re not getting much done because we’re too worried about bickering.”

Mr. Pirrone stressed the importance of working with businesses already in Bedford Township and being more open to their needs.

Mr. O’Dell said the township has done a great job repairing and repaving roads, but the budget will decrease significantly for road work after next year.

“If you want to have industry brought in here, you have to have shovels ready,” Mr. O’Dell said. “That could cost this township some money.”

The Democrat said the township has several pieces of property ready for development and wants to create a long-term plan with the Monroe County Business Development Corporation.

Clerk

Clerk Trudy Hershberger is opposed by Austin Mack, a consultant for Feed Lucas County Children.

The biggest point of contention between the two is the value of social media, which the township does not use.

“Sixty-two percent of the adult population uses Facebook, and we don’t have one,” Mr. Mack said. “The website is pretty outdated, we can’t stream meetings online, [and] the township channel looks painfully dated. We really need to use technology better.”

Mrs. Hershberger was appointed deputy clerk in 2000 and won the race for clerk in 2012. She said she doesn’t think someone can do her job without similar experience, which includes record-keeping, keeping agendas, registering voters, and running elections.

She said she goes to Bedford High School every year to register seniors to vote and also visits senior centers.

“Technology is not going to help [communication with residents.] Talking is going to help,” she said. “I don’t think Facebook is going to do what talking one-on-one can do.”

Treasurer

Treasurer Paul Francis repeatedly pointed to his experience over challenger David Dunnigan.

Mr. Francis said his prior experience as a Bedford Township trustee and certified public accountant make him the best person for the job. 

Mr. Dunnigan, who cited his work with banking, investments, and taxes, said he is just as qualified.

First Published June 27, 2016, 4:00 a.m.