The third current at large council member, John Terwilliger, is running for council’s 2nd Ward seat now held by fellow Republican Doug Tremblay, who is not seeking re-election. Terwilliger will face a Democratic opponent in the fall.
There is no Democratic opposition for the at large race.
Independent candidates have until May 1 to file to run.
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Robin Oda
Oda, 56, is in her third, two-year term. “This office is one of public service and I have enjoyed the process,” she said.
Oda said she first ran for council to add a perspective not represented – as a wife and mom who had managed three children, a household and a budget. “I expected accountability of my kids when they were growing up, and I expect accountability of myself and others who work for the city of Troy,” she said.
Oda said the heroin epidemic is the top issue. “We need to be emphasizing the reality of choices and the consequences … Devastated people, devastated families, devastated friends, devastated communities… the ripple effects go way beyond what they will ever know,” she said. “That said, if a person wants help, the help is there for them, and we have to be ready to do that.”
»RELATED: 10 heroin overdoses in 24 hours in Miami County
Oda said she’d also like to see the city and other government entities take advantage of the Ohio Checkbook program to provide more financial transparency and for the city be more aggressive in upgrading roads and infrastructure.
Lynne Snee
Snee, 50, also is in her third term. “I think that I have gained a lot of experience during my time on city council,” she said.
Snee is a teacher in the Troy schools, holds a master’s in public administration and has experience working in government of a mid-size city. “I am knowledgeable about local government services and current issues. My career as a teacher … gives me a unique perspective on the important cooperation needed between the city and the schools,” she said.
Snee said the city’s top issue continues to be economic development and providing amenities to residents. “I believe that providing these amenities, such as recreational opportunities for all age groups, programming funds for events and upgrades to our park system is a vital part of working with our businesses to attract a strong workforce to Troy,” she said.
»RELATED: Troy income tax on May ballot
Other issues, Snee said, include continuing to provide a high level of protective service to citizens and continuing to work locally and with the state to maintain a well-planned street repair and paving program.
Todd Severt
Severt, 52, who served on council 1995-1999, is a lawyer in Troy. “I feel I can give back to my community through effective representation of the wishes of the citizens of Troy,” he said. He said he chose not to run again in the late 1990s following the birth of his daughter. “I feel I was an effective councilmember last time and hope the citizens give me a chance to return to a job I loved,” Severt said.
He said the top issue facing the city is the influx and increase of drugs. “When the bathroom at Walgreens requires a lock and key to prohibit overdoses from occurring within, we have a serious problem,” he said.
»RELATED: Forum looked at heroin impact
A second issue is jobs with a need for the city to actively seek new employers for the community through enterprise zone agreements or other investment programs, Severt said. He also said the city needs to work to improve viability of the Sherwood Shopping Center through a public-private partnership.
William Lutz
Lutz, 39, served on the city board of education in 2012 and 2013. He is director of New Path not for profiit organization and previously worked as the first Bethel Township administrator and for the city of Piqua.
“It has been more than luck that has allowed our community to become as successful as it is,” Lutz said. “My greatest desire in seeking this office is to continue that tradition of looking toward the future.”
Among top issues facing the city are the changing face of economic development, heroin and the civic capacity of the community, Lutz said.
“The strategy is beginning to change. Instead of attracting and retaining the employer, we are looking at attracting and retaining the employee,” he said. With heroin, Lutz said he would work to secure resources to help those battling addictions daily. He’d also work to improve civic engagement by introducing innovative programs to engage residents such as a government academy.
»RELATED: Miami County Heroin Coalition launched to help fight addiction
Thomas Andrew Brinkman
Brinkman declined to answer questions submitted to all candidates, saying he was not actively campaigning.
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