“It was a little scary and then exhilarating ... Thank you, thank you, thank you,” Franz said to voters. “I’m not sure what the word is right now, but you never know. It’s not like a national election where people can scream at you that they hate you. ... Thank you for showing confidence in me and my fellow council.”
In addition to his own victory, Franz said he’s happiest that Englewood voted for the fire and EMS levy and “supported the schools again.”
The unofficial final vote for the City of Englewood Fire District tax levy was 1,889 votes for the levy and 641 votes against the levy.
In the race for Englewood Council where four members will be elected, Brad Daugherty finished in the lead with 1,712 votes, Steven P. Henne in second with 1,690, Catherine M. McGrail in third with 1,662 votes, Adrienne Draper in fourth with 1,579 votes and trailing the polls is Thomas Hall with 1,133 votes.
We will continue to update this story throughout the night until all the votes are in and results are final.
EARLIER ELECTION COVERAGE:
Englewood will choose a new mayor in the November election from contenders Thomas Franz and Mike Klingler.
Current Mayor Patricia Burnside is not running for re-election.
We asked the candidates some questions for our online voters guide which goes live Oct. 7 at vote.daytondailynews.com.
Early voting begins Oct. 8.
VOTERS GUIDE: Compare the candidates for Englewood mayor on the issues
Here’s a look at the candidates running for Englewood mayor:
Thomas Franz
Experience: I was appointed to City Council in 1991 and have been subsequently re-elected in seven elections. I know what makes our city perhaps one of the best managed in southern Ohio. Services and infrastructure improvements Englewood residents have come to expect I have lived in Englewood since 1978. I served on Planning Commission from 1983 through 1991.
Education: Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude, in Organizational Leadership from Wright State University in 2006.
Mike Klingler
Experience: 15 Years in real estate 25 Years in manufacturing 4 Years USA Air Force
Education: BS Business Administration, AAS Business Management AAS Electronics, Hundreds of hours of CE Credit
Q: What are the biggest problems facing the community? What do you propose doing to tackle these challenges?
Thomas Franz: It's satisfying to know that Englewood has no major issues.
Perhaps the most pressing challenge is providing the proper funding for our safety forces; Police Department and the fire and EM services.
Major crime in Englewood continues to go down. Response time of fire and EMS is under 5 minutes.
Also, maintaining the infrastructure; water lines, sewer lines, and the streets is important. Replacing old water lines with new non-corrosive lines will help prevent water main breaks. Directing our tax dollars to these areas is of utmost importance.
Mike Klingler: Millennial exodus. Promote young adult businesses and entertainment.
Q: What makes you qualified for this job? What experience do you have to make good and informed decisions?
Thomas Franz: I have lived in Englewood since 1978. I served on Planning Commission from 1983 through 1991. I was appointed to City Council in 1991 and have been subsequently re-elected in 7 elections. I know what makes our City perhaps one of the best managed in Southern Ohio.
Mike Klingler: I have years of experience as a blue collar and in management. My current role in real estate means constant interface with this community.
Q: What can you do if elected to help grow the local economy and add jobs? What ideas do you have for attracting new jobs and investment?
Thomas Franz: Englewood is a Council/ Manager form of government. The City Council, which the Mayoral position is part of, selects a City Manager. The Manager in turn selects his/her staff to run the city.
One of council’s jobs is to ensure the manager and his/her staff have resources needed to entice business creation. Financial incentives, cooperative attitudes and land availability with utility services shovel ready are several of the things needed to do this.
Mike Klingler: Work closely with zoning and development to help match investors with opportunity.
Q: What would you do if elected to make life better for residents?
Thomas Franz: Life in Englewood is already good. Citizens and visitors are safe walking the streets both day and night. Roads are free of pot holes. Snow removal is top notch. Curbside leaf pick up is weekly during the fall. Fire and EM services response time is under 5 minutes.
Water and sewer systems are first class and comparatively inexpensive. Water softening will be available by year end.
Mike Klingler: Listen to them.
Q: What other information do you want voters to have about you?
Thomas Franz: My 9 years serving as vice mayor qualify me to continue the excellent services and infrastructure improvements Englewood residents have come to expect.
Mike Klingler: I am approachable, I follow through and believe in compromise.
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