A Message to the Community from Ashland County Commissioner Vice President Denny Bittle
ASHLAND COUNTY — One day before Election Day, Ashland County Commissioner Vice President Denny Bittle is reaching out to residents with a message about experience, leadership, and the future of Ashland County.
Bittle, a lifelong Ashland County resident and Hillsdale High School graduate, said his roots in the county run deep, with his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all calling Ashland County home. He said his commitment to the county is personal and long-term.
“This county is much more than just a dollar,” Bittle said, while noting that protecting taxpayer money remains one of the commissioners’ biggest responsibilities. He said during his 11 years in office, the county has continued to invest in villages, townships, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, and long-term community growth.
Bittle pointed to investments in communities such as Jeromesville, Hayesville, Loudonville, Savannah, Nankin, Polk, and others, saying the county has contributed millions of dollars toward water, sewer, and infrastructure projects. He also noted that approximately $350,000 was provided to Loudonville to help with water meter upgrades.
He said growth is essential if Ashland County wants to continue providing services without raising taxes or cutting services. According to Bittle, the county must continue to grow by roughly 2% to 4% each year to keep up with rising costs, including fuel, utilities, real estate expenses, and other operational needs.
Bittle also addressed several major county projects, including the Ashland County Health Department, the new dog shelter, airport improvements, and the new county office building. He said the Health Department project used ARPA funds, not local tax dollars, and transformed a building on Claremont Avenue into what he described as one of the nicest health departments in Ohio.
He also highlighted the new dog shelter, saying the previous facility was deteriorating and no longer acceptable for the animals or the community. Bittle said community support helped raise more than $700,000 toward that project.
Looking ahead, Bittle said he remains focused on keeping county services accessible, including the ongoing work toward a county campus near the courthouse and future courthouse renovations. He also said he would like to continue exploring ways to place the Title Department and BMV in the same building, creating more of a one-stop location for residents.
Bittle also spoke about economic development, including growth near Interstate 71, new housing, apartments, industrial development, and the planned hotel at the old Pump House site. He described the Pump House project as an example of long-term vision and patience.
“Vision is one of the important things of being a county commissioner going forward,” Bittle said.
Bittle said he believes Ashland County has moved forward because local elected officials, city leaders, school boards, villages, and townships have worked together. He urged residents to consider experience, cooperation, and long-term planning when they head to the polls.
“I believe that I’m still the right person to continue moving this county forward,” Bittle said.
Bittle closed by asking residents for their vote and support on Election Day, saying he wants to continue helping Ashland County grow while protecting taxpayer dollars and planning for future generations.
Paid for by the committee to reelect Denny Bittle
