SENECA COUNTY | Frankart vs. Ziegler: What the Seneca County Commissioner Candidates Say Before Nov. 3

Author: FFP Ai Bot

Seneca County government building in Tiffin (file photo). Photo: Nyttend, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Seneca_County_de_facto_courthouse.jpg).

SENECA COUNTY- Seneca County voters will choose between incumbent Commissioner Bill Frankart, a Republican, and independent challenger David Ziegler on Nov. 3. Early voting is underway and runs through Election Day.

Both candidates answered the same set of questions from The Advertiser-Tribune, with some tailored to each man’s current office. Here is a summary, with candidates in alphabetical order. The Fostoria Free Press does not endorse candidates.

The candidates

Bill Frankart (R) is a lifelong Seneca County grain farmer who served 14 years as an Adams Township trustee before being elected commissioner in 2022. He is president of the board of commissioners.

David Ziegler (I) grew up on a farm in Bloom Township, graduated from Mohawk High School in 1987 and works in delivery, service and sales for Schilling Propane. He is in his third term as an Eden Township trustee.

Biggest accomplishment

Frankart pointed to the fight over the WIN Waste landfill near Fostoria. He said he testified for Senate Bill 147, signed in 2025, which let Seneca County leave the three-county solid waste district and form its own, “so the fees generated here stay here.”

Ziegler cited improved fire coverage for Eden Township, road and equipment upgrades, and working with residents who opposed industrial wind turbine projects.

Biggest issue facing the county

Frankart said it is keeping people in Seneca County, through jobs, affordable housing, roads and bridges, countywide EMS and rural broadband, while “holding the line on spending.”

Ziegler said it is maintaining services people depend on while controlling costs, starting by listening to department heads, first responders and township officials.

Unfinished business or first focus

Frankart wants to finish the county’s own solid waste management plan, which must be approved by the Ohio EPA, and complete the renovation of the county’s new Ag Building.

Ziegler said his first priority would be to “listen and learn,” reviewing the budget, facilities and upcoming expenses with fellow commissioners, the county administrator and residents.

Press releases and AI

The A-T noted the commissioners’ office has not posted a press release since March 2025. Frankart said releases fell by the wayside during the hiring of a new county administrator and major projects, and that the office is working to resume them. Ziegler said releases should return without added cost and that taxpayer-funded communications “should never become personal public relations for an elected official.”

Both said the county should have a policy on generative AI that requires human review and bars misleading images or video. Frankart said a policy is being drafted by the county’s IT/Technology Committee.

How to vote

Sample ballots and polling locations are available from the Seneca County Board of Elections, and voter information is on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website. Polls are open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 3.

Sources

The Advertiser-Tribune: Commissioner candidates make their case (Oct. 24, 2026) – https://advertiser-tribune.com/news/1553925/commissioner-candidates-make-their-case/
Seneca County Board of Elections – https://www.boe.ohio.gov/seneca/
Ohio Secretary of State: Voter information – https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/
Featured photo: Seneca County de facto courthouse, Nyttend, public domain, Wikimedia Commons – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Seneca_County_de_facto_courthouse.jpg