ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio — Road repair and maintenance sparked a lively discussion Monday during the Richland Township candidates’ debate, as challengers and incumbents outlined differing views on how the township should handle its chip-and-seal program.
The three candidates vying for two positions as Richland Township trustees in Belmont County, Jay Stephens, Jim DeNoble and Rick Ferrell participated in a two-hour debate hosted by Dimitri Vassilaros. Radio news director Karen Fatula and commentator Big Willie were panelists asking questions about township matters along with show host Dimitri.
Incumbent candidate Jim DeNoble left the debate early, citing his scheduling of another appointment during time allotted live on radio and social media for the debate.
Candidate Jay Stephens said he believes the township should prioritize paving over chip-and-seal in residential areas where families and children are more likely to be outdoors.
“You should fill in the potholes before you chip and seal it,” Stephens said. “If you’ve got a lot of houses on a road, that should be paved instead. Subdivisions have kids on bikes and older folks walking — they deserve a smoother surface. I know you can’t pave everything, but you can plan a program and do one or two a year, depending on the budget.”
Incumbent trustee Rick Ferrell defended the township’s current road maintenance schedule, saying it follows a consistent rotation.
“We have about 70 miles of roads,” Ferrell said. “Every five to seven years, we make sure they’re maintained. Before we chip and seal, we dig out and fill potholes, then add a thin asphalt layer called greater patching. That helps build the road up, and sealing it locks in that pavement so it lasts up to eight years.”
Ferrell added that spot repairs across the township, instead of following the rotation, would drive up costs and reduce efficiency.
Trustee Jim DeNoble agreed, emphasizing the importance of the maintenance cycle and praising the road crew’s work.
“It’s all tracked by our superintendent — what’s been done and what needs done,” DeNoble said. “We fix potholes with a hot mix and then apply the greater patch. It looks great when finished, but it won’t last unless we follow with chip seal. Our crew does excellent work and keeps detailed records to make sure roads stay in good condition.”
DeNoble noted that some roads are moved up in priority if they deteriorate faster than expected, but overall, the rotation system keeps the township’s roads in steady shape.
The debate continued with questions from Dimitri and the panel about infrastructure, including construction of a new township building costing nearly one million dollars.
Richland Township Trustee Candidates Debate “Million-Dollar” Building Project, Township Spending
Voters will decide on the Richland Township trustee race in the November 4 election.
