Miami Twp. appoints trustee to vacancy

A former Miami Twp. trustee candidate has been picked for a seat on that board.

Eric Flasher, 53, was the top choice among four candidates interviewed to fill the unexpired term of Robert Matthews Jr., who resigned last month, less than a year away from facing re-election.

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Miami Twp. Board of Trustee President Andrew Papanek and Vice President Doug Barry on Tuesday night voted in favor of Flasher for the post that pays about $20,000 annually.

He got the nod over Greg Bell, Donald Culp and former Trustee Mike Nolan because of his range of experience and dependability, among other reasons, Papanek said.

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“…We felt that Mr. Flasher – what he brings to the table, what he brings to the board and the township – is an extreme amount of community involvement and working on different programs, working on levies, community development (concerns),” he said. “…It’s just a whole litany of things that he’s been involved in at the local level.

“He’s unselfish with his time, he gives a 100 percent of everything. And he never says no,” Papanek added. “You ask the man to do something, and he’s going to step up to the plate and give you 100 percent.”

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A computer and data analyst, Flasher graduated from Miamisburg High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Miami University.

He ran unsuccessfully for trustee in 2001 and 2005. Flasher is involved a number of local groups, including spending 13 years on the Community Foundation of Miami Twp. and is a past president.

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Flasher has also served on the West Carrollton schools strategic planning committee, and has been a leader in area Boy Scouts and National Night Out. Most recently with the township, he chaired two road levy campaigns.

Flasher said he is “really looking forward” to being a trustee.

“We’re in a situation where the township is experiencing enormous growth. And I think we should continue to address issues that are coming with growth,” he said.

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“We’re seeing some improvements in the parks…..so I think we’re doing the right things as a township,” Flasher added. “We just need to continue and do more.”

He spoke of the other candidates as “smart and very effective,” as did Barry and Papanek.

Barry said he thought the four interviewed “are very qualified” and would encourage all seven applicants run for the seat in November.

“I think they’d all make good trustees,” he said.

Matthews resigned March 28 to accept a job at Frost Brown Todd, LLC. The firm contracts with the township and Matthews stepped down to avoid any potential conflict of interest.

Matthews was elected in 2013, finishing second to Papanek for two seats in a multi-candidate race decided by a recount over Nolan.

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