DEERFIELD TWP. — Six township residents have entered their bids to replace Trustee Tom Raga when he leaves for the Ohio House in less than three weeks.

        Residents pondering a run for trustee are a former township clerk, the chairman of Deerfield's zoning board, the chairwoman of the township's strategic planning committee, two businessmen and a mechanical engineer.

        Longtime resident Barbara Reed, 43, was among the first to submit her letter of intent. Mrs. Reed has served on various township committees in the past five years, including a two-year stint as chair of Deerfield's strategic planning committee.

        Lee Spiedel, chairman of Deerfield's zoning board, also has a long history of involvement with the township. Mr. Spiedel, 34, hopes to bring his experience and knowledge as a lifelong resident to the board.

        The most surprising name to surface is that of former Township Clerk Ben Dotson. Mr. Dotson, who lost the clerk job in the 1999 general election, oversaw the township's books for eight years and also was a Warren County Parks commissioner for four years.

        His decision to run was a surprise even to his wife, Hazel Dotson, Deerfield's top administrator.

        Two businessmen — Mark Patton and David Cossentino — have also expressed interest.

        Mr. Patton is vice president of administration for USFLOW Corp., a wholesale distributor of products and supplies.

        Mr. Cossentino, a industry marketing manager and systems engineer for Tab Products, has lived in the Cincinnati area his entire life.

        The other candidate, Frank Bachman, an employee of General Electric Aircraft Engines, said he is “a firm believer in small, efficient, but highly effective local government.”

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