Four individuals are seeking two open spots on the Bloomingburg Village Council at Tuesday’s general election.
Two positions will be up for grabs this year in Bloomingburg as incumbents Donald L. Fleak and Virgil Jones seek re-election and newcomers Michael S. Baker and John David Scurlock throw their hats in the ring.
Jones, who filled in an empty seat about four to five months ago, moved to Bloomingburg in 2005 to become president of the local fire department. He said he is hoping to clean up the village and has been encouraging as many as he can to make it out to vote this Nov. 3.
“I am pushing to make upgrades down at the park,” Jones said. “It just seems like it is down and there are always comments on parts of the village that could be cleaned up. That is what I am hoping to do. I have been able to talk to a few people and encourage them to get out and vote, but I want to encourage the entire village to make it out to vote. I have really noticed that the place could use some help over the years and it’s time to get it back to good shape.”
Current village council president Donald Fleak runs a family-owned farm drainage business where he serves Fayette and surrounding counties. Besides three years of his life when he lived in Cincinnati, Fleak has lived in Bloomingburg. This year, he is serving his eighth year and said if the people want him to, he will come back for another term.
“The council needs to be there for the betterment of Bloomingburg,” Fleak said. “We had some issues with filtration and have begun to solve those problems. The only issue is staying within the rules as a council member. We can’t do what we want, and because the village is under fiscal watch, the main issue we struggle with is saving money and also finding money to take care of basic village needs. We are trying to get grant money that could help. It is important that people get out to vote. Who you vote for will decide the direction of the village and it takes working together to develop ideas that will make a difference.”
Multiple attempts were made to contact Baker and no calls were returned. Additionally, the Record-Herald was unable to reach Scurlock for comment.
The Fayette County Board of Elections has information voters should know about current issues and polling places. Located at 133 S. Main Street in Washington Court House, the staff will attempt to answer questions any residents have concerning election day.
For more information, contact the board of elections at (740) 335-1190 or visit www.electionsonthe.net/oh/fayette/. Stay with the Record-Herald for more election day coverage.
