All Eyes on Licking County Commissioner Race
BY LIZZIE MARGOLIUS
LICKING COUNTY - Licking County has five Republican candidates and one Democrat candidate running in the primary for county commissioner. County commissioner has long been one of those government positions that was highly overlooked until recently, with the expansion of things like data centers, solar fields, rapid development, and increased spending.
With a relatively low-key ballot this midterm, all eyes are on local government, such as county commissioner races and for good reasons - the influx of data centers, rapid development, and rising unaffordability are impacting many people. Here is the rundown on the five Republican candidates running for Licking County Commissioner.
Bill Bogantz is a first time Republican candidate for commissioner. Bogantz is running as one of three conservatives in the race. His focus is balancing growth along with rural preservation and affordability. As a Liberty Township trustee, Bogantz is known for his efforts in banning utility-scale solar projects. His philosophy is that communities should tackle development challenges by asking, “Do we need the revenue? Do we want the development?” This philosophy gets straight to the point with a simple yes, or no, while combating the mentality of growing just to grow.
While Bogantz is conservative, he understands issues, such as rapid development and affordability are non-partisan issues that affect everyone across the county. He believes in healthy, civil debate and engaging dialogue to tackle the issues facing Licking County. For more information on Bill, you can find him on Facebook at Bill Bogantz for Licking County Commissioner or visit his website at www.billbogantz.com.
Jeff Rath is also a first time Republican candidate for commissioner. Rath, another conservative and veteran of the Ohio Air National Guard, served 16 years as a Newark City councilman. His focus is on Licking County’s infrastructure, the influx of data centers, and managing growing costs. He supports growth, but with the expectation that it is managed in a reasonable way. One of his priorities is to spearhead a new countywide comprehensive plan to guide responsible growth, including protecting farmland and renewable resources. He believes in supporting townships’ rights to zone and manage development locally. For more information on Jeff, you can find him on Facebook at Neighbors for Rath
Gregory Smith, another first time Republican candidate for commissioner is running as the third conservative, but little is known about his candidacy. He did not appear at a Licking County candidate night and did not respond to a Newark Advocate Questionnaire regarding candidates’ positions and backgrounds. There is no available website or Facebook page.
James Snedden is a multi-time candidate for commissioner running across multiple parties. Snedden has run for county commissioner as a Libertarian, Democrat, and most recently, Republican. Snedden, a Navy veteran and self-proclaimed troublemaker, is focused on spending and the influx of data centers. He believes that being the disrupter in the group will give him the advantage in fighting back against the system. For more information on James, you can find him on Facebook at James Snedden Jr.
Mark Van Buren is also a multi-time candidate for commissioner running as a Democrat in 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2014, then running as a Republican in 2026. Van Buren was appointed in 2008 to county commissioner to complete Marcia Phelps’s term through 2010. Van Buren has served as a Harrison Township trustee from 1997-2008 and 2010-present. Van Buren’s biggest concern is managing the growth in Licking County. He is not against growth, but says it has to be managed carefully and that local municipalities are ultimately in control of their community. Van Buren walks the walk, as Harrison Township approved a 500 acre solar farm, while he was township trustee proving that local municipalities are ultimately in control of what they allow, for better or worse. For more information on Mark, you can find him on Facebook at Mark Van Buren for Commissioner, or visit his website at www.citizensforvanburen.com
Licking County is a hotbed for massive growth and development, so choosing a county commissioner who is not a puppet for developers, a party, or state interests is paramount. While data centers and solar farms bring in temporary jobs and revenue, they also consume vast amounts of resources and land. And because local municipalities are the last line of defense against invasion from massive development, how these candidates voted while councilmen or trustee tells you everything you need to know about how they will conduct themselves as county commissioner. Do your own homework and ask the tough questions. Most importantly, get out and vote this Tuesday, May 5th!
