Tom Koogler, a 65-year-old Bellbrook resident, is expected to be sworn into office today in the Greene County courthouse.
Bob Glaser, a 65-year-old Beavercreek resident, was sworn in on Thursday at the courthouse. He will replace Rick Perales who was elected to Ohio Representative for the 73rd District.
Koogler said improved communications with residents is a priority and he wants to schedule one of the bi-weekly board of commissioners meetings for the evening when more people are available.
Currently the meetings are held at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays and 1 p.m. on Thursdays.
“We’re also looking at videotaping our meetings so people who can’t make the meeting can watch it on cable,” he said.
Koogler’s first term on the Greene County Board of Commissioners will mark his first elected position. He will replace Marilyn Reid — a veteran commissioner and well known Republican figure in the county.
Koogler has been a member of several boards including the Fairborn Chamber of Commerce, the Greene County Transit Authority and the Greene County Solid Waste Advisory. His resume includes starting his first company at age 20 – T.R. Koogler Refuse Collection – in 1967. He later sold the business to a Fortune 500 company. Koogler has also worked for Waste Management where he became regional vice president.
After retiring from the waste industry in 2003, Koogler became a partner in a custom home construction company. Six years later he founded a roof cleaning business.
Glaser said he wants to focus on cutting costs within the county, and both freshman commissioners have had discussions on how to avoid an increase in county water and sewer rates for residents.
“I try to spend taxpayers’ money the same way I spend my money,” Glaser said. “I try to conserve taxpayers’ money.”
Glaser defeated four challengers in the March primary with 26 percent of the vote and ran unopposed in the general election.
Glaser retired from the private sector with more than 30 years of sales and management experience.
This year will mark Glaser’s first time as a county commissioner, however the position is one of several municipal government-related positions he has held including Beavercreek mayor, Beavercreek city council member and Beavercreek Twp. trustee.
Glaser credited the former commissioners with running the county well and managing its debt and hopes to find ways to save the county money while reviewing the county’s finances.
“Now what we’re doing is trying to take another look,” Glaser sad. “When there’s fresh people coming in they can take a fresh look.”
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