By CHET BAUMGARTNER
The four Republican candidates vying for the two at-large seats on the Bluffton Common Council agree: Bluffton will face “real challenges” in the days to come, as one said.
And on Monday night, the Wells County Chamber of Commerce invited them to address those challenges during an hour-long forum at the Wells County Commerce and Visitors Centre.
About 40 people attended as candidates Rick Elwell, Blake Fiechter, Ron Neuenschwander and Ethan Sommerfeld — all republicans — discussed their qualifications, their community commitments, and the infrastructure issues within and beneath the city, such as the aging wastewater treatment plant.
And all agreed that city residents will need to endure higher utility rates.
“To be blunt, there’s no way around that,” Neuenschwander said.
But the candidates also pledged to thoroughly review any major projects in the future to cut as many costs as possible without compromising those projects.
City officials will most likely address — or at least begin addressing — those infrastructure needs before the two victors begin their terms. However, during the forum, the candidates also introduced other priorities they would pursue if they would be elected.
Sommerfeld said he wanted to prioritize housing growth.
“We’re still needing to solve the housing issue,” he said.
Elwell, the only incumbent running, said he wanted to pursue initiatives to help address drug addiction, citing the funding the city received as part of a lawsuit related to opioids.
Neuenschwander, who worked as an occupational health consultant for businesses through Parkview, said he wanted to pursue “more robust options” for healthcare.
“It pains me to see everyone drive past the hospital to go to Fort Wayne instead,” he said.
Fiechter said he wanted to create a “more business-friendly” culture in Bluffton, and he hoped to encourage the council to create a five or 10-year vision to guide them.
Each candidate also touted his qualifications for the position, as well as his commitment to the community.
Elwell and Fiechter, for instance, cited their work as members of the Board of the Bluffton Free Street Fair, as well as their experience as business owners. Elwell in particular said that because he owns his own business, his flexible schedule can accommodate council demands. Fiechter said his experience in development and real estate helps him “get a pulse” on the reasons people come to — and leave — Bluffton.
Neuenschwander also cited his business background and political science background, which he said could help the council identify possible federal funding for infrastructure needs.
And as the only retired candidate, Neuenschwander said he can more readily “devote a lot of time” to the council.
Sommerfeld cited his volunteer work through the various ministries of Hope Missionary Church, such as Forgotten Children, and he too said he had sufficient “down time” to commit to the council’s demands.
Finally, all of them agreed they wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
“I don’t believe there are other communities as special as Bluffton,” Fiechter said.
Neuenschwander said he moved to Bluffton 23 years ago, and “I’ve not regretted that decision at all.”
“I love Bluffton,” Sommerfeld said.
“I’m excited about the direction we’re heading,” Elwell said.
No Democrat has filed for one of the two open seats, and unless the county party’s chair names a candidate, the two winners in the Republican May primary will win the election by default.
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