Erie County Commissioner Since 2019
A Record of Results
Eight years of work on behalf of every community in Erie County - from Sandusky to Vermilion, from the lakeshore to the townships.
Fiscal Responsibility & Tax Relief
Protecting taxpayers while keeping county services strong.
Suspended county inside millage - $8 million in relief
Supported suspension of the county's inside property tax millage (approx. 2.23 mills) for both 2025 and 2026 - keeping approximately $8 million per year in the hands of Erie County property owners each year. Discussions are underway for potential continuation of the suspension for 2027.
State-level tax policy engagement
Member of the County Commission Association of Ohio (CCAO) Taxation and Finance Committee - actively engaged with state lawmakers in discussions about changes to Ohio property tax law that directly affect Erie County residents.
Member of the CCAO Technology and AI Committee - actively engaging in discussions about data centers and other high tech AI initiatives.
Member of the CCAO Judicial and Public Safety Committee - actively engaging in shared discussions with local, regional and state law enforcement and court systems.
Economic Development
Bringing new investment and jobs to Erie County communities.
LOVE's Travel Stop & Grower's Mineral - US Route 250 TIF
Approved Tax Increment Finance (TIF) agreements for the LOVE's Travel Stop project on US Route 250, which required extending county sewer lines along the corridor to allow the project to proceed. The same TIF framework also supported the Grower's Mineral construction project in the same area.
WaterWood Vermilion waterfront development
Approved a TIF agreement for a major mixed used development project along the waterfront just west of Vermilion. The WaterWood project - featuring high-end residential units, a marina, and related amenities - is currently under construction.
US Route 6 corridor improvements - Sandusky to Huron
Secured investment for the US Route 6 corridor improvement project running from Sandusky to Huron, coordinated with the cities of Sandusky and Huron, Perkins Township, Huron Township, ODOT, and federal partners.
Greater Sandusky Partnership integration
Worked to integrate the Greater Sandusky Partnership with the Erie County Economic Development Corporation, strengthening regional coordination for business attraction and retention.
Erie County Port Authority
Supported Erie County Port Authority involvement in multiple development projects across the region, leveraging the Port's financing tools for local economic growth.
Erie County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Worked with state lawmakers and local regional partners to create a new Erie County Convention and Visitors Bureau that is able to invest county lodging tax revenue in local infrastructure and public safety needs - turning tourism dollars into direct community benefits.
Infrastructure
Long-term investments in the county's roads, water, sewer, and transportation assets.
Sawmill Creek Sewer Treatment - $22 million (paid cash)
Supported a $22 million investment to expand and update the county-owned Sawmill Creek sewer treatment facilities. The project was paid in cash - no debt to county taxpayers.
Landfill expansion - $6 million (paid cash)
Supported a $6 million landfill expansion project, also paid in cash, extending the useful life of a critical county asset without borrowing.
Township road improvements - $1 million per year
Sustained township road improvement investments at $1 million per year over the past several years, directing county resources to road quality across all parts of Erie County.
Erie/Ottawa International Airport improvements
Supported major runway, taxiway and other infrastructure improvements at the Erie/Ottawa International Airport in Port Clinton through partnerships with Ottawa County, state and federal funding sources.
Regional water & sewer studies
Initiating regional water and sewer studies to responsibly plan for future growth and ensure Erie County's utility systems can support new development as it comes along.
Public Safety
Equipping the people who keep Erie County safe.
Erie County Sheriff's Office investments
Made significant investments in the Erie County Sheriff's Office including new patrol vehicles, personal safety equipment (firearms and tasers), in-car and body-worn camera systems, and FLOCK license plate camera readers - giving deputies the tools they need to protect the public.
Courthouse, Jail and Juvenile Justice upgrades
Supported physical upgrades at the courthouse to improve facilities for the judicial system and the residents who use them.
Local Emergency Planning Commission
Currently serving on the Erie County Local Emergency Planning Commission and Community Corrections Planning Board, connecting county government with regional emergency preparedness and correctional system oversight.
Community & Health Services
Building stronger systems for Erie County residents of all ages.
Created a standalone Erie County ADAMHS Board
Erie County previously shared an Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board with Ottawa County. Steve supported the creation of a standalone Erie County ADAMHS Board, giving our county dedicated focus on local mental health and recovery services.
Blue Ribbon Commission
Created and implemented Erie County's Blue Ribbon Commission - bringing together public and private sector leaders from throughout the county to begin discussions about regionalization, shared resource opportunities, and ways to reduce the cost of government for taxpayers. The findings from that commission are now being implemented with studies to look more closely at regional water and sewer, insurance for government entities and schools and EMS services provided throughout the county.
Foster Care Improvements / Nursing Home Improvements
Supported improvements to the Erie County foster care system, including increased support for foster families who are helping dozens of children in need. Also invested heavily in facility upgrades at the county owned nursing home, The Meadows, making a difference for some of the most vulnerable residents in our communities.
"Let's Continue the Conversation"
There is more work to do. Steve is asking for your vote on November 3, 2026.