Local Election Candidate Information
We have asked local candidates to provide more information to help voters get to know those running for office.
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Coshocton County Farm Bureau encourages members and the community to vote in the May 5, 2026 Primary Election. Candidates for all races as well as a sample ballot can be found on the Board of Elections website. You can determine your polling location on their website as well.
We have asked local candidates to provide more information to help voters get to know those running for office:
County Commissioner:
W. Chuck Ellis
Campaign Contact Information: Ellis for Coshocton Co Commissioner, 54760 Township Rd 90, Fresno, OH 43824, 740-202-0733. [email protected]
Facebook: Chuck Ellis for County Commissioner
Current Position: Retired Owner/ President of Pearl Valley Cheese
Organization/ Association Memberships: Ohio Farm Bureau
Agricultural Background: Grew up on a farm- crossbred beef cow/ calf
Why Coshocton County farmers should vote for me:
“I have served on several statewide dairy related boards. Throughout my career I have worked regularly with dairy farmers to deal with milk quality and other production related issues. My son and I operate a 30 head beef operation on our family farm. WE have been very involved in the county fair and cofounded ‘Friends of the Coshocton Co. Jr. Fair’ to purchase and add-on to animals sold at the Jr. Fair Sale. Our company works year round with FFA and 4-H clubs for tours and fund raising programs.”
Dean Hettinger
Biography:
“I’m 53 years old, and my connection to Coshocton County began when my parents moved our family here in 1985 and purchased a small farm outside of Warsaw. That experience shaped my appreciation for hard work, community, and the values that define our county.
I graduated from River View High School and went on to earn an Associate’s Degree from MATC. In 1994, I began my career of public service with the Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office, where I served in a variety of leadership roles before retiring as Chief Deputy.
My wife Jennifer and I have raised our two children on our small farm, where we’ve built our life and stayed deeply connected to the community.”
Campaign Contact Information: Friends of Dean Hettinger Committee, 26946 TR 345, Warsaw, OH 43844. 740-502-2859, [email protected]
Facebook: Hettinger for Commissioner
Current Position: Retired but remain part time at the Coshocton County Sheriff
Organization/ Association Memberships: President of both United Way and Board of Developmental Disabilities
Agricultural Background: Grew up on a farm- cattle, chickens, corn, hay.
Why Coshocton County farmers should vote for me:
“If you are involved in agriculture, whether you’re a full-time, part-time, or hobby farmer working with livestock, crops, or agritourism, you deserve a commissioner who stands with you. As the owner of a small farm, I understand the challenges you face and the importance of protecting what you’ve built.
Agriculture is foundational to our county’s identity and economy. We need to focus on both, the large operations and the small family farms that have shaped our community for generations.
I’ll fight to protect our agricultural land and work to bring more state and federal grant dollars back to our county. I’ll make sure our farmers and ag businesses have the support they need to grow and succeed.
I bring proven experience in county government and a track record of working with local, state, and federal partners to deliver real results for Coshocton. I’m committed to keeping agriculture strong, not just for today, but for generations to come.”
Charles A. Selders
Campaign Address: 2561 South Lawn Ave, Coshocton, OH 43812; 740-610-5501
Facebook: Charles A Selders for Coshocton County Commissioner
Current Position: Kraft Heinz Coshocton, Tuscarawas Twp. Trustee
Why Coshocton County farmers should vote for me:
“It’s time all the people in Coshocton County be represented, farmers, owner operators, shop owners, blue collar factory workers.
These people are the ones that makes Coshocton’s wheels turn.
The infrastructure is growing as we speak and companies are looking at Coshocton daily. But I am going to be out in the county like I have been talking to local farmers.
Once elected I will try my hardest to put their thoughts and concerns to work for them.”
County Auditor
Janette L Donaker
Biography: “My name is Janette L Donaker and I am a candidate for Coshocton County Auditor. I have lived in Coshocton County my entire life and grew up on a 500 acres daiy farm in a suburb of Blissfield. My parents are Jack & Judy Lowe and I have three brothers, Kenn, Kevin and Kim.
I live in the Western part of Coshocton County, in Perry Township, with my husband of 30 years, Alan Donaker. We have a daughter, Kellyn, son-in-law Kurtis and 2 grandchildren.
I have been an elected official in Coshocton County for 32 years starting as a Township Fiscal officer, and currently serve as County Treasurer.”
Campaign Information: Committee to Elect Janette L Donaker, 19849 Township Rd 383, Walhonding, OH 43845. 740-502-2049; [email protected].
Current Position: Coshocton County Treasurer
Organization/ Association Memberships: Farm Bureau, Percheron Horse Association of America, Border Collie Association, Coshocton County Township Association, Perry Chapel Baptist Church.
Agricultural Background: Grew up on a 500 acre dairy farm with corn and hay
Why Coshocton County Farmers should vote for me:
“I have been the Coshocton County Treasurer since 2010. Prior to becoming Treasurer, I was a deputy auditor in the Coshocton County Auditor’s office. While in this position, I learned all the aspects and duties of the Auditor’s office. I also currently sit on the following boards with the County Auditor and already fulfill the position: Coshocton County Budget Commission, Coshocton County Board of Revision and Coshocton County Investment Board.”
County Engineer
Joshua D. Kempf
Biography
“Growing up on County Road 1 in Coshocton, this community has always been home. After graduating from River View in 2014, I went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Mount Union in 2018, then furthered my education at the University of Akron to obtain my surveying certificate.
Following graduation, I spent two and a half years gaining hands-on experience at an engineering firm before returning to serve the place I grew up in. In August 2020, I joined Coshocton County as deputy engineer, and in the years that followed, I earned both my Professional Engineer and Professional Surveyor licenses. On July 1, 2025, I was honored to be appointed as Coshocton County Engineer — a role I continue to serve in today.
Beyond the office, I’m proud to serve as director of the Coshocton County Regional Planning Commission and as a trustee with the Walhonding Valley Historical Society. Both roles reflect a deep commitment to the long-term health and heritage of this county.
At home, I’m lucky to be married to my wife Jordyn (Glazier) Kempf, and together we have two kids who keep life full and busy in the best possible way.”
Current Position: Coshocton County Engineer
Agricultural Background: Grew up on a farm- small hobby farm raising sheep and chickens
Why Coshocton County Farmers should vote for me:
“Coshocton County’s businesses, farmers, and residents are the foundation of our community, and as your County Engineer, I am committed to ensuring that the infrastructure everyone depends on continues to work for them. Whether it’s a farmer hauling grain to market, a contractor moving equipment across the county, or a small business owner receiving deliveries, reliable roads and bridges are not a luxury — they are essential to our local economy. As the current Coshocton County Engineer, I have firsthand experience managing the roads and bridges that connect our community to opportunity. I understand the diverse demands that commercial and agricultural traffic places on our county roads, and I am dedicated to prioritizing maintenance and improvements that reflect the needs of all who use them. If elected, I will continue to advocate for strong infrastructure funding, pursue every available grant opportunity, and ensure that our county’s roads remain safe and serviceable for businesses large and small, agricultural operations, and everyday drivers alike. Strong infrastructure means lower transportation costs, better access to markets, and a more attractive environment for economic growth and new investment in Coshocton County. I believe that when our roads are strong, every business and family in this county has the opportunity to thrive. I would be honored to earn your vote and your trust, and I look forward to continuing to serve this great community.”
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
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