Trending
WAYNE TOWNSHIP - Wayne Township residents will have to choose one of three candidates for trustee when they cast their votes in the Nov. 7 General Election.
The 522 registered voters will have the choice to elect Everett Bleakney, Laughlin Road., Lisbon; Michael Greathouse, Applegate Road.Lisbon; and Nathaniel Pirogowicz, state Route 164, Lisbon.
Everett (Tater) Bleakney
Bleakney is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Rolla where he obtained a bachelor's and master's of science degrees in mining engineering.
He is a retired professional engineer who worked for the East Fairfield Coal Company and a part-time consultant.
Bleakney is active in the community as a member and Sunday school teacher with Abundant Life Fellowship.
He and his wife of 44 years have raised two children.
Bleakney has never held a public office, been appointed to a public body or lost an election for an office.
Bleakney listed his qualifications for the position as a thorough knowledge of road construction, drainage, heavy equipment operation and maintenance drawing on his 40-plus years of mining experience and mine site development projects.
Bleakney said he is running for trustee because he wants "to give the residents of Wayne Township a candidate that is available, with a professional background."
Bleakney, who has never been convicted of a felony, said voters should elect him because he has lived and farmed in the township for 34 years and he understands the residents' concerns.
"Those that know me consider I am fair, honest, listen to all and make decisions with common sense under the existing circumstances," Bleakney said. "In the end, I want the residents to vote for the candidate that would serve Wayne Township the best."
Nathaniel Pirogowicz
Incumbent Pirogowicz attended Ohio State University's Agricultural Technical Institute where he majored in livestock science and power and equipment.
He has worked for 21 years as a millwright and foreman for K&S Millwrights as well as operating a farm where he raises hay, grain and sheep with his wife.
Pirogowicz is active in the community as a 4-H volunteer who serves on the Columbiana County Jr. Fair Lamb Committee and a Columbiana County FFA alumni member and volunteer on the Fair Foodstand Committee.
He and his wife Shelly have been married for 21 years and have three daughters.
Pirogowicz lists his qualifications for trustee as his experience as serving as a trustee and his time working on and supervising job sites and the construction of large feed mills throughout Ohio, New York, Indiana and Pennsylvania as a millwright, which has provided him with leadership and skills to manage the township, the ability to donate and assist in in using machinery to improve the roads.
"I have worked with contactors and companies throughout the United States in my career and have gained skills that I have been able to apply in my position as a trustee," Pirogowicz said. "Furthermore, operating my farm has given me the experience to make decisions about budgets and finances needed to run the township."
Pirogowicz noted during his time as trustee, he secured donations of road materials for the township which saved thousands of dollars and he has worked closely with the other trustees and fiscal officer to purchase new equipment to improve the roads and ditches in the township and hire qualified employees.
Pirogowicz has never been convicted of a felony.
"I enjoy working with our township to be more efficient with labor options, road maintenance and the fiscal budget," Pirogowic said. "It has been an honor serving as Wayne Township trustee and I hope to continue moving forward with plans to improve our township roads and ditches if reelected."
The paper did not receive a response to a candidate questionnaire from Greathouse.