Joe Miller looking for voter support for fifth term as Holmes County commissioner

MILLERSBURG − Two challenges an incumbent Holmes County commissioner sees for the area continue to be maintaining the highway system and affordable housing.

Joe Miller said it is important the county keep the pressure on the Ohio Department of Transportation to keep upgrading and improving the roadways because of local and the abundance of tourism traffic.

Miller is being challenged for his seat in the March 19 primary election by Republican Ervin D. Yoder.

Facing off for his seat for the seat currently held by Ray Eyler, who is not seeking reelection, are five Repubican, Dave Crilow, Steve Johnson, Dustin Kaufman, Holley Johnson and Eric Strouse.

No Democrats filed for the seats.

The Daily Record is featuring each candidate in stories. See profiles of Steve Johnson, David Crilow, Dustin Kaufman, Holley Johnson, Ervin D. Yoder and Eric Strouse at The-Daily-Record.com.

Miller, seeking his fifth term, hopes to continue doing the work he has been doing since 2009.

"I want to keep Holmes County a safe place to worship, attend schools to live and raise a family," Miller said. "I've been doing this for quite a while, and I'm better at it now than when I started. It's on-the-job training for commissioners. it's something you have to learn for yourself. It's a big job in Holmes County."

He said commissioners need to do their jobs correction in order for other elected officials to do theirs.

Intersection on main corridors need to be improved

Miller said the commissioners have accomplished many things during his 16 years in office, but he feels it is important to keep pressure on the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to improve the county's highway system.

"We are one of only a handful of Ohio counties that doesn't have an interstate or divided highway, and we have a lot of traffic," he said. "Everything moves on main corridor. We need those intersections improved."

Miller said highways of Holmes County are used by a variety of vehicles, from buggies and e-bikes to cars and trucks, tourists vehicles and an abundance of truck traffic as well.

He said county Engineer Chris Young has developed the best country roads around, and "I'm proud to say we helped him get that started."

Miller also points to affordable housing as a major issue the county faces.

People work in Holmes but can't afford to live there

"I have racked my brain and continue working on finding a way to create some affordable housing," the commissioner said. "We have many people working here who can't afford to live here. The cost of land in Holmes County is the big killer. You pay so much for the land, it puts a lot of pressure on building an affordable house."

Miller pointed to the success of the enterprise zone tax abatement program that has thrived over the last decade or so, helping expand existing companies.

The county sales tax is booming and the development and expansion of the sewer districts as well as the new health department building are things he has been a part of and hopes to continue.

Miller said he is encouraged by the number of quality candidates running for commissioner.

"Small government is very important, from school boards to township trustees to county commissioners," he said. "What happens in county government is very important. "I want to continue what we're doing.

"We are blessed here in Holmes County," Miller added. "I want to add that it's not about me. It's about the people of Holmes County. My mission is, if it's not good for the county, I'm not interested in it."

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Joe Miller looks to make more progress in new Holmes commissioner term