Orange Twp. incumbents face challenge in trustee race

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Incumbents Rob Quigley and Debbie Taranto are seeking reelection to the Orange Township board of trustees, while challenger Ryan Rivers hopes to capture one of the two seats on the Nov. 7 ballot.

Rob Quigley

Quigley has served as a trustee for eight years. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Franklin University and is a veteran of the U.S. Army. He and his family have lived in Orange Township for 15 years.

Quigley said he is committed to service, leadership, and community.

“I am passionate about investing in Orange Township and keeping it the strong community we love,” he said. “I strive to be as efficient as possible with your tax dollars. I will continue to work closely with residents and bring new ideas to the table.”

Quigley said he hears concerns about managing growth, improving infrastructure to alleviate traffic issues, and taxes and the budget.

“On the issues of budget management and taxes, because of the good work that we’ve done on the Board of Trustees, Orange Township is financially stable,” he said. “We continue to follow up on grants to expand park amenities and purchase safety gear for the fire department. To help alleviate congestion, we are in communication with the county about extending Home Road and putting an overpass over the railroad.”

Ryan Rivers

Rivers is an insurance agent and small business owner. He has been a resident of the township for 13 years with his wife Karen and two daughters.

Rivers said he’s been very involved in the community since he opened his business in 2010. He said through his business he has developed many relationships within the township.

“As a small business owner, I wear many hats and, because of my experience in my business and in the community, I bring many skills to the township,” he said. “These include relationship building, marketing, team building, planning, and financial management.

Rivers considers the pressing issues to be an inadequately diversified tax base, the need for a strategic approach to development, and an updated zoning process.

“I am committed to lessening the tax burden,” he said. “We need a new strategic approach to development focusing on … commercial investments. Improvements to our infrastructure, with costs borne by developers, as well as an updated zoning process encouraging investment while addressing … traffic congestion.

“Our community lacks synergy between our government, business community, and civic groups,” he added. “I will work as an advocate for the community and enhance our communication. This will be accomplished through the relationships I have built over the years in the business community and non profits.”

Debbie Taranto

Taranto has lived in Orange Township for 19 years, owns and operates a local business, and has raised three children, all graduates of Olentangy Orange High School.

Taranto said she believes in being a good steward of the taxpayers’ dollars.

“I’ll work hard for you, listen to your concerns, and try to find solutions,” she said. “That’s why I have never missed a meeting in six years.”

Taranto considers the pressing issues to be development, roads, and traffic. She said it is important to guide the development of the township through the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

“The township is currently updating our plan in a relationship with The Ohio State University,” she said.

Taranto said the township is working on a five-year transportation plan for roads and traffic issues.

“This plan includes resurfacing, and minor and major road widening,” she said. “Another worthwhile discussion is an interchange at Big Walnut and (Interstate) 71. I believe this is a key factor in relieving traffic.”

Taranto
http://www.delgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2017/10/web1_Deb-Taranto.jpgTaranto

Quigley
http://www.delgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2017/10/web1_Robert-W.-Quigley.jpgQuigley

Rivers
http://www.delgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2017/10/web1_RyanProfile.jpgRivers

Gazette Staff

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