2022 Election Notice
The Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission will cause an election of Supervisors of the Stark Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) to be held in accordance with Chapter 940 of the Ohio Revised Code. Individuals who own or occupy land within the Stark Soil and Water Conservation District and are 18 years of age or older may vote for Supervisor.
There are three ways an eligible voter can cast a ballot:
1.) At the SWCD office, 2650 Richville Dr. SE, Suite 100, Massillon, from 8/14/2022 until 9/12/2022 during normal business hours; or
2.) At the SWCD Annual Meeting, which will take place at Varian Orchards, 6344 Orchard View Dr. SE, East Canton on 9/12/2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ; or
3.) Voting absentee from 8/14/2022 until 9/12/2022, by requesting the ballot application and election ballot from the SWCD office at the following address 2650 Richville Dr. SE, Suite 100, Massillon, OH 44646, by calling 330-451-7645, or email infosw@starkswcd.org. Absentee ballots must be received by the SWCD office by 9/12/2022 by 4:30 p.m.
One Supervisor will be elected to a three‐year term commencing January 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2025.
2022 Nominees
Richard Horner
Rick resides in Tuscarawas Township and has lived in Stark County for 45 years. He works for HYDAC International as an application engineer. A farmer since 1986, he raises registered Angus cattle and grows corn, soybeans, and alfalfa on 150 acres. He has no tilled since 1988 and practices rotational, strip, and mob grazing to protect the soil, reduce potential run-off, raise healthy cattle, and foster productive pastures.
He is a life member of American Angus Association and an active member of Eastern Ohio Angus Association and attends Newcomers Chapel of Pigeon Run United Methodist Church in Massillon.
Rick was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2019 and serves as Secretary.
Rick is running for re-election to represent county residents that are engaged in production agriculture and rural living. He feels blessed to own and farm a lot of the same land his family settled on 4 generations ago in Tuscarawas Township.
Gary Popotnik
Gary resides in Lawrence Township with his 13 year old golden retriever, Lucky. He has lived in Stark County since 2008. He works for The Wilderness Center (TWC) as its Conservation Manager/Biologist. He oversees all conservation projects on TWC lands and represents TWC on regional conservation partnerships projects.
He is a member of the Planetary Society and Union of Concerned Scientists and enjoys studying particle physics and cosmology. He is a passionate Cleveland Guardians and Browns fan.
Gary is running for supervisor to bring his technical conservation expertise to the board and to help Stark County continues its tradition of innovative conservation efforts.