DEERFIELD TWP. — Annexation, storm-water problems and land use planning are top issues facing this fast-growing community of about 23,000.

        Seven candidates are vying Nov. 6 for two seats on the three-member board of trustees and a chance to address these issues.

        Two candidates' forums this week gave the office-seekers a chance to discuss their approaches.

        To get a better grasp on the storm-water drainage problems, Richard Bethel said he would ask residents to report clogged drains and keep them clear of debris. Limiting new development is alsoimportant, he said.

        Likewise, Trustee Barbara Wilkens Reed said she would not approve new development until the storm-water problems are fixed because it would only complicate the problem.

        For Joseph Mettey, managing storm water starts with ensuring that developers put the right plans in place for such things as retention and detention ponds.

        Many candidates, however, acknowledged that Deerfield has limited control over storm-water issues because many storm-water culverts are on private property and storm-water criteria are largely under the control of Warren County officials.

        Annexation is another hot-potato issue.

        Randy Kuvin said that if elected, he would defend township property from annexation into Mason.

        “This would certainly include ensuring that the service available to the property from the township match or exceed those available from Mason,” Mr. Kuvin said.

        Said Lee Speidel: “Give people sewer and water and there is no more need to worry about annexation.”

        Ms. Reed said each property annexed from Deerfield into Mason causes lost revenue and damages the sense of community in the township.

        Trustees president Larry Backus cited a diagnosis of diabetes as his reason for not to running for re-election.

        Bill Wallace and Fred Hillard are also seeking election to the board of trustees.

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