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Denny Biddle outlines infrastructure record and projects as he seeks reelection in Ashland County
Summary
Seeking reelection, Denny Biddle listed projects his office supported — ARP-funded health department renovations, a new animal shelter, airport upgrades and a planned hotel — and urged residents to vote the next day, framing the work as long-term investments in county growth.
Denny Biddle, seeking reelection as Ashland County commissioner, delivered a paid campaign address the day before the election, outlining investments he said the county made in infrastructure and services and urging voters to cast ballots the next day.
Biddle emphasized long-term projects and fiscal stewardship, saying the county used federal ARP funds and local fundraising to upgrade facilities. “We got $10 million a couple years back and we have spent 1.7 on the health department,” he said, noting the renovated health department now has a permanent home. He also said donors raised “over $700,000” to replace a dilapidated animal shelter and that the county supported a $1.9 million airport project.
The candidate framed those projects as part of a broader economic strategy. He pointed to new housing, apartments and what he described as a planned $24 million hotel at the old pump house — a preservation project he said helped attract private investment — and said growth from customers off Interstate 71 has produced record sales-tax revenues in recent years.
Biddle defended decisions that drew criticism from opponents. He said some challengers had posted inaccurate information online and defended hiring an attorney for Job and Family Services, saying the move improved outcomes for children and families even if critics focused on cost.
On county operations, Biddle said a new county office building is scheduled to be completed on the county campus March 1 and that a full courthouse remodel will follow once engineering drawings and funding are in place. He said consolidating the title department and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles into a single location remains under study to create a more convenient, one-stop service for residents.
Addressing accessibility, Biddle said earlier reviews found opening the courthouse’s front steps for single public access would require extensive ADA work — including a ramp to Cottage Street or an outdoor chairlift — making that option impractical at present. He also said he would like to see the county Soil and Water office provided a dedicated building to better serve farmers and reduce pollution risk to local waterways.
Biddle closed by restating his request for votes and providing contact information; the transcript of the email address he read is partially unclear. “I am going to ask for your vote,” he said, and reminded listeners the election was the following day.
The remarks were a candidate’s summary of accomplishments and priorities rather than a new policy action; no formal county votes or staff directives were recorded in the address.
