BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
BURLINGTON -- A number of newcomers could reshape city halls in Walton and Union. In Walton, incumbent Mayor Phil Trzop is seeking a second full term against Councilman Art Meisberger; and nine people, including five newcomers, are vying for the six council seats.
Things are similar in Union, where incumbent Mayor Warren Moore will face off against City Commissioner Jack Hunt for the $45-a-year post. City commission hopefuls are: incumbent Eddie Johnson; and newcomers Wayne McClellan, W. Thomas Erpenbeck, Jonathan S. Jennings, Bob Robinson and Gina Logsdon.
Mr. Trzop beat Mr. Meisberger in the last election for the $1,000-a-year post.
Mr. Trzop said that while he wants Walton to grow, "We want to keep the same unique atmosphere that brought us all back to Walton." Mr. Trzop said his record speaks for itself: by lowering property taxes, establishing a full-time police department and eliminating occupational taxes. He said he wants to continue sprucing up the Main Street area and bringing more small businesses to town.
He said he hopes the new Ameristop, which will replace part of the old IGA building, will be the anchor for a revitalized Main Street. The Ameristop is scheduled to open Jan 1.
Mr. Meisberger cited his retirement and ability to be a full-time mayor as reasons why he should be elected in the November general election.
"I just feel that the city is at a point and time where it can use a full-time mayor. I'm here to serve the city," said Mr. Meisberger, who is serving his third non-consecutive, two-year term. He was on council 1991-94 and 1997-98.
Mr. Meisberger, who is active with many volunteer organizations, said he also would like to help implement Walton's first long-range plan, which he and other council members helped develop.
"You gotta have a goal. Without a goal, where are you going?" Mr. Meisberger asked.
Meanwhile, the nine people who filed to fill six council seats in Walton are four incumbents -- Mike Wood, Sharon McDonald, Don Bowman and Mike Rowland -- and newcomers Richard Roberts, Ted Stewart, Dan Simpson, Jeffrey Franklin and Mike Casson.
In Union, Mr. Moore said he and Mr. Hunt both have fast-growing Union at heart. "Hopefully, I can continue to do the things the people have asked me to do," said Mr. Moore, a 15-year mayor.
Mr. Moore was encouraged that several newcomers decided to run for city commission. He was surprised that Mr. Hunt filed against him.
"I am running because he (Mr. Hunt) has told me time and time again, "You need to run,' " Mr. Moore said.
Mr. Hunt, who said his decision to run for mayor was made at the last minute, said he wants to monitor the city's finances and growth, as well as the U.S. 42 Corridor Study and Union Town Plan.
