New Face, Familiar Name: Why Kurt Johnson’s Appointment Has People Talking

Following an executive session, the Vermilion Township Board of Trustees reconvened at 7:40 p.m. during their April 23, 2025 meeting to make an important appointment. The board had received seven applications to fill the unexpired term of Trustee Roger Scott, who had formally resigned earlier in the evening.

Trustee Don Rowe Sr. made the motion to appoint Kurt Johnson, which was seconded by Chairman Kenn Baughman. The motion passed unanimously, and Johnson’s appointment will take effect on May 1, 2025.

Kurt Johnson is the husband of Vermilion Township Fiscal Officer Stephanie Johnson, which led the board to seek formal legal guidance from the Erie County Prosecutor and the Ohio Ethics Commission prior to the vote. Both entities confirmed there is no conflict of interest or violation of state ethics rules, provided that both offices operate independently within their legally defined roles—something the board and the Johnsons have committed to upholding.

In a follow-up conversation, Kurt Johnson shared that he is a 35-year resident and homeowner in the township. He owns a landscape and design business that has operated locally for over three decades and has employed many township residents. He brings practical experience in drainage, ditching, and stormwater management, which are critical areas of responsibility for a township trustee. Kurt also emphasized that his wife and two sons were born and raised in the township, and that community service has always been central to their family’s life.

While some residents may raise concerns about the optics of appointing the spouse of a current fiscal officer, it’s worth noting that Kurt Johnson’s appointment is temporary—the seat will be on the ballot this November. If elected, the same family connection would legally remain in place, as it would under any other elected office in the state. This means voters will ultimately decide whether Johnson should continue in the role, reinforcing the democratic process.

Chairman Baughman also noted that several of the other six applicants have already expressed interest in running for the open seats this fall. Trustees encouraged all candidates to stay engaged, highlighting that two trustee seats will be up for election in November 2025, including the one Johnson was appointed to fill.

Trustee Rowe called the selection process transparent and community-minded, praising the level of interest shown by residents and underscoring the need for continued civic participation.

🤝 A Unified Township, Moving Forward

While the past 18 months in Vermilion Township have been marked by tension and turnover, this appointment marks a turning point. With a full board of trustees and an experienced fiscal officer now in place, Vermilion Township appears to be heading into a seven-month stretch of steady leadership and potential cooperation.

And while no one person created the dysfunction of the past, it was a mess that was allowed to grow—and stability, transparency, and people working together are be the only way to clean it up. If this new board can stay focused and work together, Vermilion Township just might rediscover the trust and momentum its residents have been waiting for.