Denny Bittle Announces Bid for Re-Election as Ashland County Commissioner
ASHLAND COUNTY, Ohio — January 19, 2026 — Ashland County Commissioner Denny Bittle officially announced Monday that he is seeking re-election, citing a record of practical leadership, fiscal responsibility, and long-term investments aimed at strengthening county services, infrastructure, and economic development.
A lifelong Ashland County resident, Bittle is a graduate of Hillsdale High School and has deep roots in the local community. He has built and maintained several local businesses, remains actively involved in farming, and has been married for 49 years to his wife, Randi. Together, they have three married daughters, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandson, with another great-grandchild expected soon. All of Bittle’s immediate family resides in Ashland County. He has also been a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for more than four decades.
During his tenure as county commissioner, Bittle has played a key role in a number of major initiatives, including the creation of the Ashland County Land Bank, construction of the new Ashland County Dog Shelter, and the relocation of the Ashland County Health Department to a facility designed to better serve residents.
Additional accomplishments include continued progress on the Ashland County Airport project and improvements to county operations through cost-saving measures. These include converting the former recycling building into a county maintenance garage and relocating the Sheriff’s Office maintenance operations and impound lot from a rented facility—steps that reduced expenses and improved efficiency.
Bittle also highlighted his involvement in securing and distributing millions of dollars in federal grant funding to village townships and the City of Ashland. The funds were used for critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects, supporting public health and laying the groundwork for future growth.
Looking ahead, Bittle outlined several priorities for another term in office. Among them are completing the new county office building and the courthouse remodel, continuing close collaboration with local officials, and maintaining the strong fiscal discipline demonstrated by the Board of Commissioners over the past 11 years.
Economic development remains a central focus of Bittle’s campaign. He pointed to the preservation of the historic pump house—once considered a costly liability—as a major success. The structure has since been transformed into a $20 million hotel development, which Bittle said exemplifies forward-thinking leadership and economic revitalization.
“It has been a privilege to serve the people of Ashland County,” Bittle said. “My goal has always been to put this county in a strong position—not just for today, but for future generations to be well situated and successful.”
The election for Ashland County Commissioner is scheduled for 2026.
