Vermilion Township Trustee Q&A: Fire Levy and Growth Management

As part of our continuing coverage of the upcoming November 4, 2025 General Election, Vermilion Daily invited all nine candidates for Vermilion Township Trustee to share their views on two key issues facing the township: the proposed Fire Levy and the challenges of managing new development.

Eight of the nine candidates responded. Keith Sexton did not submit answers before publication.

Question 1

There is a fire levy on the ballot this November. Do you support the levy? Why or why not?

Kurt Johnson:
The levy is on the ballot. We support the decision making being in the hand of the voters. It is a fair assumption that we all agree our fire department provides vital and lifesaving services that our township cannot do without. That it needed to be brought to the voters who are facing higher taxes and shrinking finances was important. If the levy passes, our fire department can maintain equipment, staffing, and quick response times residents rely on. If it fails, costs will fall directly on residents, which is always more expensive in the long run.

Don Rowe Sr.:
Current trustees, like myself, can’t campaign for or against the levy, but we can explain what happens either way. If it passes, the township can maintain and improve its current level of fire and EMS protection. If it fails, residents could face longer response times and higher personal and insurance costs in an emergency event. We believe the levy question is best left to the residents and how they decide to cast their votes.

Charles Hall:
I want to start by expressing my full support and appreciation for our township fire department. That said, before voting, I think residents deserve a clear understanding of how the additional funds will be used, what specific needs the department is facing, and whether other funding options have been explored. Transparency and accountability are essential when asking taxpayers to contribute more, even for a vital service like fire protection. My intention isn’t to oppose the levy, but to ensure the community has all the facts. Supporting our firefighters also means making sure the system that funds them is fair, efficient, and sustainable.

Joseph Trinter:
Yes, I support the fire levy. I trust that the fire department determined that this is truly the funding level needed to continue service going forward. Providing our own EMS service is just as important, if not more so, in the future. I’m afraid that the almost tripling of the levy at once is going to be a large ask, and we might have to go back to the drawing board if it fails.

Katie Lalonde:
As stated at the candidate night, I support the fire levy being placed on the ballot in November. I feel it’s great to give the residents a voice on this issue.

Malcolm Williams:
I do not support it at this time. We just had the largest property tax increase ever, and now everyone is asking for more money. Where did this increase go?

Nancy Sauer:
I have my concerns about the Fire Levy. Like many residents on a fixed income, I’m concerned about whether I can afford the increase in my taxes. However, I do think it’s necessary for our Fire Department; we have an aging population that cannot wait in a medical emergency

Tom Krukemeyer:
I 100 percent support our first responders and Fire/EMS. The levy that has been proposed, in my opinion, is not written correctly. Once elected Trustee, I would work with the fire department to craft a better-written levy, by learning more about township needs. I would propose a smaller levy that includes sharing resources from surrounding communities. $175 per $100,000 for a homeowner is too much to ask for at once.

Question 2

Development is coming rapidly to Vermilion Township, with several new subdivisions and projects already underway. How would you approach managing this growth, particularly in terms of infrastructure, traffic, and the use of township resources?

Kurt Johnson:
Growth is happening even when we do nothing. We must be prepared to manage it responsibly before it arrives. Roads, drainage, and township services need to be ready to meet increasing demand before any new homes are built. Developers should cover their share of the costs — that includes all infrastructure needs.

Don Rowe Sr.:
You can’t just give tax breaks away to large-scale developers. You must negotiate, stand your ground, and fight for the residents and the needs of our community. The current trustee team is already solving problems and working together for the township’s future needs.

Charles Hall:
To address these issues, I believe the township must take a more proactive and accountable approach. New developments should not be approved without comprehensive stormwater management plans verified by independent engineers. Road impact studies should be mandatory, with developers required to contribute to road widening or traffic control improvements. Additionally, stronger coordination between planning boards, environmental experts, and residents is essential to ensure that growth does not come at the cost of safety or sustainability. Vermilion Township has an opportunity to set a responsible example for balanced growth, but that can only happen with careful planning and community involvement.

Joseph Trinter:
Growth must be managed where it fits. There are limited areas of the township where large developments can even be considered. Infrastructure improvements should fall on the developer, not taxpayers. Once permits are handled, the township should be out of the picture unless the building department returns.

Katie Lalonde:
When it comes to growth within the township, we need to be diligent. We should work closely with all entities including the county, zoning board, and state to ensure our voice is heard and concerns addressed.

Malcolm Williams:
We need to ensure existing infrastructure can handle growth and expand accordingly. The township must work with the counties and state to develop a long-term plan to upgrade aging infrastructure for the future.

Nancy Sauer:
Development is needed for our township to be prosperous. Trustees have a responsibility to decide which projects fit the community to keep our small-town charm and bring in the best tax revenue. Route 60 north of Route 2 will be too congested; we must study and plan accordingly.

Tom Krukemeyer:
Vermilion Township must ensure new developers pay for infrastructure improvements, conduct traffic surveys, and implement safe traffic patterns. We should follow examples like Strongsville and Columbia Station, where developers funded necessary infrastructure as part of responsible growth.

Looking Ahead
As Vermilion Township continues to balance growth, infrastructure, and public safety, these candidate perspectives offer a glimpse into the decisions that will shape its future. Vermilion Daily thanks the candidates who took part in this Q&A for helping inform the community ahead of Election Day.

Voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, to elect two trustees to represent the township’s interests for the next four years.