One of two council incumbents running as official write-in candidates

By Andy Chappell-Dick

This is the third installment of interviews with local candidates for Village of Bluffton elections on November 7. Like Ben Stahl, Joe Sehlhort is running unopposed to reclaim his seat on Council. Neither will appear on the ballot but they are approved as write-in candidates, so take note on how to spell their names. STAHL and SEHLHORST are the youngest current Councilors by an arguably wide margin. Sehlhorst has already served three four-year terms.

Q. What is your 20-second elevator speech for promoting Bluffton?
A. Welcome to Bluffton. If you are here to visit, you will be pleased to see all the shops and restaurants that will be able to meet many of your needs. Have time to take a stroll. We have plenty of sidewalks that connect through our safe neighborhoods and pathways to guide you to our many beautiful parks. Can’t fit that all in just one day and want to see more. Why not consider becoming part of our community. We would love to have you as a neighbor.

Q. What is your earliest Bluffton memory?
A. I was born and raised in the Bluffton community.

In fact, both sides of my family grew up in Bluffton and most of them still call Bluffton home today.  So, my earliest and best memories were the times sitting on Grandma Millie’s front porch on 212 N. Main St. It’s located in the heart of our bustling downtown. In fact, downtown was bustling during those days, too. I learned that Bluffton is special because we are a community of neighbors, not strangers. All were welcome to sit on her porch. And it seemed that just about everybody did.

Q. What is your proudest accomplishment in government so far?
A. My growth. I have been fortunate to have been surrounded by so many brilliant minds that want the best for Bluffton and the surrounding communities. It is amazing how much you learn from others and being a part of a team. Specifically, I am most proud of helping to create and being a part of Bluffton Beyond Tomorrow and forming the Complete Streets Committee. The months of research and thoughtful discussion about what we envision our community to become was priceless.

Q. What has been your biggest struggle in government so far?
A. Government is slow. When I first started, this drove me nuts. I knew what I believed needed to be done now. Over the past few years serving on the Insurance committee, Streets committee, Ordinance committee, Cultural Affairs committee, Pathway Board, Allen County Health Department Board, Blanchard River Watershed Partnership Board, and Village Council, I’ve learned that a decision is best made with time. It's still annoying though but understood.

Q. Do you hear from constituents on a regular basis?  How do they contact you?
A. Not very often, but when a resident does reach out to me. I’m always willing to hear their concerns and thoughts. Answer or find out the answer to their questions. And pass along those concerns and thoughts to the mayor, administration and safety service chiefs. Including following up to ensure they have been addressed.  I view my council position as a 24/7 responsibility. 

Q. You are running for reelection unopposed. What's your take on democracy in Bluffton?
A. For me, running unopposed is a good thing. I’d like to believe that it’s an indication that the residents feel I must be doing something right for the Village. However, I am hopeful that future leaders will arise and take on a new role to serve our community as an active council member. Just as long as it’s a year when I’m not up for re-election. LOL. I’ve yet to have to buy signs these past four terms.

Q. Can Village government do anything about the housing shortage in town?
A. Yes. We need to continue encouraging infill within our community. Currently, the Village is benefitting from such investors building on existing lots within the corporate limits. This is a benefit because it lowers the costs and improves the efficiency of our existing infrastructure. We are preparing legislation to introduce Accessory Dwelling Units to be included in our zoning. ADUs offer flexibility, affordability, and potential income to both homeowners and renters.  Sprawl is always a concern when growth occurs, as is the financial cost of providing the infrastructure to serve developments such as new roads, sewer, water, storm, safety services and public services (without new taxes), while ensuring that such growth is stable, sustainable and improves the local quality of life. Fortunately, I believe Bluffton offers a multitude of attractive locations for future development. I’m looking forward to being a part of our community’s growth. Earlier this year, I helped form the Bluffton Beyond Tomorrow team with the goal of creating a 20-year vision plan for Bluffton. From that 12-month study, one of the many visions identified the importance for moderate growth. I would go a step further to ensure that our growth is reflective of Smart Growth Principles.

Q. Are local services adequately funded at current tax rates?
A. I wish I could say yes, but my expectation tells me that will become a topic that will need to be addressed sooner rather than later. We must continue to meet the needs and services that our residents expect. Most importantly, supporting our safety services (police, fire, EMS) and maintenance staff. Fortunately, our leadership has prioritized our capital infrastructure plans and has diligently planned how to maintain our existing infrastructure most efficiently.

Q. What are your top 3 priorities for another four-year term?

• Complete Streets – Pathways, Sidewalk Connectivity, ADA Compliance, Safety for All
• Zoning – Sustainable and Smart Growth, Housing Options
• Bustling Downtown and Business Community – Beautification and Celebration of Arts/Cultural Events

Q. If Bluffton was a flavor of ice cream, what would it be?
A. Neopolitan. Our society’s three most loved ice cream flavors; chocolate, vanilla and strawberry equally divided in a container. In comparison, our residents come from a blend of conservative, neutral, and liberal values. In my experience, Bluffton is a blend of these three values together working to become a proactive community living our best today and preparing for more best times tomorrow.