Pro safety, business, family: Kaufman says he'd work in Holmes County's best interests

The safety issues that come with e-bikes and expanding infrastructure, specifically providing adequate sewer systems in areas lacking, are two issues one of the Holmes County commissioner candidates says he will address.

Dustin Kaufman says he is someone who is pro safety, pro business and pro family.

"Holmes County is a thriving community with successful businesses all over the county. I want to keep business in this area and attract new business using every tool at my disposal as commissioner," he said. "A successful economy is essential to create opportunities for residents to feel financially secure and choose to stay in the community."

Five Republicans are vying for the Holmes County commissioner seat held by Ray Eyler, who is not seeking reelection after serving four terms.

Facing off in the March 19 primary election for his seat are Kaufman, David Crilow, Holley Johnson, Steve Johnson and Eric Strouse.

Opposing Republican Joe Miller for his seat is will be Ervin D. Yoder.

No Democrats filed for the seats

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

Kaufman said he would work with the Amish Safety Committee, Holmes County Sheriff's Office, fire and police departments and the court system to ensure each group has what it needs to retain talent.

"Having experienced parenthood for the first time recently, I have never wanted the community to be in good hands and thrive more than I do now," Kaufman said. "I want to give back to this community that has been so good to my family and be part of the next generation of county leaders, creating an even better community for the next generation."

Two main issues facing county - infrastructure, e-bikes

Infrastructure and e-bike vehicles are issues Kaufman said should be addressed immediately in Holmes County.

"The infrastructure in the county still needs improvement. As commissioner I will work with all parties to seek grant money to install sewer in the many areas that still do not have it and need it, as well as expand sewer access where we already have systems.

"Sewer is important for those resident's that want it, but it is critical when attempting to attract new businesses to the area," Kaufman added. "High speed internet falls into this same category."

Second, Kaufman would like to see the reduction of e-bikes (battery bike) and vehicle collisions.

"Too many people are getting hurt or even killed due to these collisions," he said. "This isn't an Amish or English problem, it is a Holmes County problem. To address it we need a Holmes County solution."

He proposes a two-pronged approach.

"I will work to ensure the Amish Safety Committee has funds to get into elementary and parochial schools to teach the youth the rules of the road, where the dangers are, how to be safe and encourage the use of proper safety gear," Kaufman said. "I also propose a public awareness campaign aimed at motorists, similar to the Look Twice, Save a Life campaign for motorcycles."

He said e-bikes move faster than a pedal bike, but look similar, and by bringing awareness to vehicle drivers, especially tourists, to the number and speed of e-bikes would help reduce collisions.

Bring business knowledge to the table

"I have been in construction my whole life," Kaufman said. "I understand how projects work from the ground up and know what it takes to get things done in a timely manner.

"I am also a small business owner, so I understand what it takes to build and grow a business from nothing," he continued.  "These are skills I feel help me understand what is needed to keep our economy growing. While Holmes County is one of the most economically successful counties in Ohio, we cannot assume it will stay that way forever."

He said the county needs leaders who are willing to "roll up their sleeves and work at it."

"I also view myself as the candidate with the most energy and grit to be able to lobby for our county to get the grants that we need to accomplish our goals," he said.

Experience with government officials

"Aside from attending the Republican hog roasts and Lincoln day dinners, I have worked with engineers, township trustees and other local government officials to try and get things done in my local community like the Safe Routes to Schools sidewalk project," Kaufman said. "The grant process and planning has opened my eyes to what could be done on a county level and not just a township level.

"In fact it is working on local improvement projects like this that made me realize how much good can be done through local government if we have leaders willing to get it done," he added.

Goals as a commissioner is to have community thrive

Kaufman's goal as commissioner is to have businesses thrive in a community that is safe for families to work and play.

"When I say 'community,' I mean all of Holmes County, not just east or west," he said. "If we have people working at good jobs that equates to stable, happy families. If we have stable families, we have a safer community. God has blessed us with a beautiful home in Holmes County. It is our job to try and keep it that way and I just want to do my part."

Kaufman said there is no way an elected official can properly serve the public if they are not accessible.

"As commissioner I intend to be accessible to the people that I serve and that starts now," he said. "Please feel free to reach out to me by phone, email or social media. I want to hear what you have to say and I would love the opportunity to explain to you why I am the best candidate for Holmes County Commissioner."

His phone number is 330-231-7630. He can be reached via email at: dustin.kaufman53@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Dustin Kaufman seeks Holmes County commissioner seat in March primary