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MINSTER - Longtime Minster Mayor Dennis Kitzmiller is being challenged in his bid for another term in office in the Nov. 7 general election by seasoned village council member Craig Oldiges.
Kitzmiller has held the position for 28 years, while challenger Oldiges has served on village council for 18 years. The mayoral race has generated considerable interest as many candidate signs have cropped up around town.
Kitzmiller, 68, is a Minster High School graduate and a self-employed independent contractor who repairs medical equipment, primarily working equipment manufactured by Versailles-based Midmark.
He's been an elected officeholder for 42 years, 28 years as mayor and 14 years as a village council member.
Asked what experienced has has that qualifies him to serve as mayor, Kitzmiller cited his ability to work well with other village officials.
"All the years I've been here, we all worked together," he said. "You don't get anything done if you don't agree. We have been fortunate to have a lot of good people in office. They (council members) have done a great job. We all worked together to keep our finances in order."
Kitzmiller said he's seeking another term because he's "very interested in the village."
"We have some things going on that I would like to see move forward," he said, pointing to the expansion and renovation of the police station on West Fourth Street, which is currently underway, and also the construction of a splash pad and new playground equipment at the Stallostown at the Paris Street Park.
He said he's fully committed to the mayor position.
"I can devote my time," Kitzmiller said. "It's not just council meetings, but there are a lot of other meetings. I like what I'm doing or I wouldn't be here."
Much has changed in 42 years, including the development of Four Seasons Park and the village solar field and updates to village buildings and utilities, he noted.
"Everything has changed, we keep moving forward. That wasn't me doing it, it was everyone on council, everyone in the village," he said, adding it's important to consider residents' suggestions. "Everybody has a good idea. You have to listen to everyone. It takes great citizens to make a village."
Kitzmiller contends the village needs to focus on informing residents about what is happening in their community.
"People today want to know what is going on, whether they are at the meetings or not," he said.
Oldiges, 50, is Grand Lake Health System's director of facilities and environmental services. He and his wife, Dianne, have three children.
A Minster High School graduate, Oldiges has an associate degree in architecture and a bachelor's degree in construction management.
Oldiges is the middle of his fifth term on council.
Asked what experienced he has that qualifies him to serve as mayor, Oldiges cited his 18 years of service on council.
"I have sat on every committee throughout those 18 years, and I have done a good job on each one of those committees," he said.
Oldiges also considers his professional experience an asset. In his role with Grand Lake Health, Oldiges said he is responsible for overseeing many buildings and other facilities for the second-largest employer in Auglaize County.
"I deal literally with 800-some employees," he said.
He also highlighted his past professional experience as a project manager for a major contractor and owner of MAC Athletics Inc., a company that designed and built athletic facilities. Oldiges also said he has served on the Oktoberfest committee.
"All of these things have set me up well to take the mayor's position," he said when asked why he's running for mayor. "It's not just leading but also getting those around you to maybe enhance what they do."
Oldiges had contemplated running for mayor four years ago but held off because he didn't want to miss his kids' activities during their last years in high school. He and his wife are now empty nesters.
"So basically it's great timing for us," he said.
Oldiges expressed a longterm vision for Minster.
"Moving forward, I think it's going to be a lot about how to foster the technology," Oldiges said.
He also stressed the importance of continuing the village's growth, saying he's encouraged by the number of young people moving back to town. However, adequate planning is necessary to handle the influx.
"I'm not here to get things done for today, I'm here today to get things done for five, 10 and 15 years from now," Oldiges said.
