By A. Kevin Corvo

Voters in Madison County’s Canaan Township will elect two trustees from among four candidates on the Nov. 4 nonpartisan ballot.

Two incumbents — Mark Ishmael and Don Whitmer — are seeking re-election and are being challenged by Mike Aitchison and Chad Bevington.

Mark Ishmael

Ishmael, 61, has a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics and works as a business insight manager. He and his wife have three daughters and three grandchildren.

He said he is running for another four-year term to protect the “unique character” of Canaan Township and to guard against annexation.

“Overdevelopment and threats of annexation from Plain City, Dublin and Columbus are the most important challenges facing Canaan Township in the near future,” Ishmael said.

If re-elected, Ishmael said his immediate goals are to establish township zoning and joint economic development districts (JEDDs) to give the township more control over development and to shield it from annexation.

Ishmael has lived in the township since 2005 and has served as trustee since 2010. He previously served on the Pleasant Valley Joint Fire District board and is secretary of the Madison County Health Advisory Board.

“I have enjoyed being Canaan Township’s voice, addressing its issues, and representing residents when they needed help with county or township concerns,” he said.

Don Whitmer

Whitmer, 78, is a retired farmer and business owner with a background in automotive repair. He and his wife, Collette, have two daughters and three grandchildren.

He said he is seeking re-election because he wants to continue serving residents.

If re-elected, Whitmer said his top priority is to “keep rural life in Canaan Township.” He views maintaining township zoning districts as the most important near-term issue.

Mike Aitchison

Aitchison, 67, has lived in Canaan Township for 37 years, after moving from Plain City. He and his wife, Tuwana, have four children and 10 grandchildren.

He is retired after 45 years as a rural letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service.

“When I perceive a need, it’s important for the public to have an option, to give them a choice,” Aitchison said.

He identified multiple challenges facing the township: growth pressure from three directions, a water and sewer line running along U.S. 42, changes to Madison County zoning rules, and the possibility that township zoning could appear on the ballot for the second time in less than seven months.

But those challenges could also bring new opportunities, he added.

“It would be my goal for us to avail ourselves of the opportunities most beneficial to the township while honoring the values, desires and interests of its residents,” Aitchison said.

Chad Bevington

Bevington, who will be 35 by Election Day, is seeking his first elected office. He owns Hilliard Concrete Company. He and his wife, Janielle, have two daughters.

“My motivation to run for Canaan Township trustee comes from wanting to serve my community,” Bevington said.

He identified minimizing growth as the township’s most pressing future challenge.

“If elected, I would like to see better communication and trust between the township and its citizens. There are so many ways to keep residents informed on what is happening. This involves listening to the desires and needs of our community and making sure residents are up to date on decisions made,” he said.

A lifelong Madison County resident, Bevington said he values hard work and agriculture.

“Any community worth living in is worth making better,” he said.