By A. Kevin Corvo

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

At least one new trustee will be seated as incumbent Jeffrey Marshall is not seeking re-election.

The other incumbent, Steve Denes, faces challengers Robert Howard and Brenton Robertson.

Brenton Robertson

Robertson, 23, is a farmer and current president of the Madison County Farm Bureau Board. He is also the great-grandson of former Fairfield Township fiscal officer Bill Holt.

“His dedication continues to inspire me today,” said Robertson, who helps his grandparents, Bill and Madeline Holt, operate the family farm.

Robertson and his wife, Madison, are expecting their first child, a daughter.

“I believe every resident of Fairfield Township has a story. Whether you have lived here for generations or recently chosen this community as your home, we all share a common love for what makes Fairfield Township such a special place,” Robertson said.

“My commitment to you is to lead with transparency, to listen to the voices of our community, and to fight for the priorities that matter most to the people of Fairfield Township,” added Robertson, who holds an undergraduate degree in agricultural business.

He cited preserving the township’s character in the face of development as its greatest challenge.

“As a lifelong resident of Fairfield Township, I understand the pressures we face from energy companies, development and infrastructure changes. My commitment is to work hard to preserve the character of Fairfield Township while ensuring it remains a place we are all proud to call home,” Robertson said.

If elected, Robertson said he would prioritize fiscal responsibility and maintenance of township properties, cemeteries and roads.

Steve Denes

Denes, 60, owns Denes Farms LLC and has served as a Fairfield Township trustee for 20 years.

He is a 1983 graduate of West Jefferson High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science and agricultural business from the Ohio State University. He and his wife, Lori, have four children and three grandchildren.

Denes said he is seeking another term to remain active in the community. He cited growth and expansion into the township as its biggest challenge.

“The main issue I see facing Fairfield Township is the growth and expansion of Columbus. Madison County is unique and, while sitting adjacent to Columbus for years, remained unexploited by developers. But now these areas are being exploited as developers and business look to expand westward,” Denes said.

He pointed to the township’s successful opposition, alongside county commissioners, state officials and residents, to a proposed biodigester on Wilson Road as an example of how land use can be managed.

Referring to Marshall’s 36 years of service, Denes said the loss of experience makes continuity important.

“Jeff will take a lot of knowledge and experience with him. With the pressures of future growth of Madison County in the very near future, having experienced trustees in your township will be vital,” said Denes, who also serves as an officer in the Madison County Township Association and as a representative on the Madison County Regional Planning Commission.

Robert Howard

Howard, 53, is the owner and operator of R and D Howard Farms LLC. He holds a degree in agricultural economics and agronomy from the Ohio State University.

“I cannot sit back and wait and hope for changes to be made. It just feels like the right place and right time for me to help represent my neighbors by serving as a trustee,” Howard said.

Howard said the failed biodigester proposal in Fairfield Township motivated his run.

“From the time it first became an issue, it was many months until citizens became aware of the concern,” said Howard, who declined to sign an agreement with the would-be developer to use his land for a gas line needed for the project.

If elected, Howard said he would prioritize communication.

“Let’s not reinvent the wheel, but use modern technology to better inform the public and protect both the township and its employees and representatives,” he said.

Howard also cited growth management as Fairfield Township’s greatest challenge.

“Our community is growing and changing, and I believe some of the most important issues facing Fairfield Township are the side effects of this growth. The biodigester proposal was just the tip of the iceberg,” he said.

“Since our community is located between Columbus, Springfield and Dayton, I think waste management services, data centers and energy companies are sizing up our community for their benefit. Just down the road, warehouses have practically taken over the West Jefferson area. Change is inevitable and growth is certain, but I want to make sure the interests of all of our neighbors remain the first priority.”

Howard and his wife, Dawne, have three adult children.