Kirby Samuell (Truro Township Trustee, Ohio, candidate 2025)
Kirby Samuell (Democratic Party) is running for election to Truro Township Trustee in Ohio on November 4, 2025.[1]
Elections
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Kirby Samuell completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Samuell's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I am a long-time resident of our community, a husband, and a foster and adoptive parent raising a large family built on love and commitment. My life has been shaped by service—whether as a certified Guardian ad Litem and Adult Guardian advocating for vulnerable people, as Vice President of the Reynoldsburg Area Democrats and a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, or as treasurer for my local Boy Scout troop. I also have a professional background in finance and insurance, which has given me strong skills in accountability and transparency.
What defines me most is a belief that leadership is about service. I know what it means to listen, to advocate, and to make sure every voice is heard. Those values guide not only how I live but also why I am running: to build a government that is open, fair, and responsive to the people it serves.
- Transparency and Accountability I will work to open the doors of township government by livestreaming meetings, posting minutes on time, and making sure residents have real access to the decisions being made. Taxpayer dollars will be managed responsibly, with honesty and clarity.
- Community and Fairness As a foster and adoptive parent, I know the importance of listening, supporting, and including people from all walks of life. I will ensure township services are fair, accessible, and responsive to every resident, not just a few.
- I have dedicated my life to public service as a Guardian ad Litem, community leader, and treasurer. My focus is not politics for its own sake, but to serve—bringing integrity, experience, and compassion to the work of making our township stronger and more united.
I am most passionate about public policies that strengthen communities by promoting fairness, accountability, and inclusion. At the local level, that means ensuring township services are transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of every resident. I believe government must be open and accountable, which is why I support policies that require public access to meetings, timely posting of records, and responsible financial oversight.
I am also deeply committed to policies that support families, youth, and vulnerable populations. As a foster and adoptive parent, I know how critical it is to have safe neighborhoods, strong public services, and leaders who listen and act with compassion. I believe local government should be proactive
I believe the most important characteristics of an elected official are integrity, transparency, and accountability. People must be able to trust that their leaders will be honest, manage resources responsibly, and make decisions in the best interest of the community.
Equally important are fairness and compassion. An elected official should listen carefully to all voices, especially those who often go unheard, and ensure policies reflect the needs of every resident. Strong leadership also requires humility—the willingness to admit mistakes, learn from others, and always put service before self.
At its core, public office is about stewardship. An effective official must treat the role as a responsibility to safeguard the community’s trust, build equity, and create lasting improvements that benefit everyone.
The core responsibilities of a township trustee are to provide transparent leadership, manage taxpayer dollars responsibly, and ensure township services meet the needs of residents. Trustees act as both the legislative and executive authority, meaning they set policy, oversee budgets, and make decisions that directly affect daily life—such as fire protection, roads, and local services.
Equally important is maintaining open communication with the community. A trustee should listen to residents, encourage public input, and keep government accessible through timely posting of records and open meetings. Trustees are also responsible for building partnerships with city, county, and state officials to expand services and resources for the township.
At its heart, this role is about stewardship—protecting community trust while working to make the township stronger, safer, and more inclusive for all.
ChatGPT said:
Township trustees hold a unique place in Ohio’s system of government because they sit closest to the people. Unlike larger levels of government, trustees make decisions that directly affect residents’ daily lives—everything from fire and emergency services, to road maintenance, to how tax dollars are spent. This local authority makes the office both highly practical and deeply personal.
What makes the role important is its blend of legislative and executive power. Trustees write policy, manage budgets, and oversee services, but they also serve as the direct point of contact for residents. In many cases, a trustee is the first official a resident will call when they need help, making accessibility and accountability essential.
This combination of responsibility and direct community connection makes township trustees a vital part of Ohio’s government structure, ensuring that local needs are met while linking residents to broader county and state systems.
Yes. Many people don’t realize that township trustees in Ohio act as both the legislative and executive branch for the township, which gives them significant authority at the local level. Trustees are responsible for approving budgets, managing township property, and making spending decisions that directly impact services such as fire protection, roads, cemeteries, and waste management.
Another little-known responsibility is that trustees can create or support special funds and levies to address community priorities. They also have the power to set policies that determine how township employees are hired, trained, and supervised. In some cases, they even serve in a quasi-judicial role when resolving certain disputes.
Because these responsibilities often happen outside the spotlight, residents may not realize just how much trustees influence their daily lives. Greater awareness of these powers can encourage more community involvement and accountability in township government.
I believe previous experience in government or politics can be helpful, but it is not the only path to being an effective township trustee. What matters most is integrity, a commitment to transparency, and the ability to listen and work collaboratively with the community.
Experience in public service, budgeting, or leadership roles can prepare someone to manage township responsibilities, but lived experience is just as important. Trustees make decisions that affect families, neighborhoods, and local services, so understanding the everyday concerns of residents is critical.
In my view, the best trustees combine practical knowledge with a genuine dedication to fairness and accountability. Whether that comes from government experience, professional expertise, or community leadership, the key is putting service before self.
The most helpful skills for a township trustee are strong financial management, clear communication, and the ability to solve problems collaboratively. Trustees oversee budgets and spending, so understanding finances and making responsible decisions with taxpayer dollars is essential.
Equally important are leadership and listening skills. Trustees must engage with residents, respond to concerns, and build consensus among board members, staff, and community partners. A trustee should also bring organizational and strategic thinking skills to ensure township services are efficient and sustainable.
Finally, integrity and transparency are not just qualities—they are skills to be practiced daily. The ability to earn trust, explain decisions clearly, and keep government accessible are what make a trustee effective.
I worked for my fathers janitorial company, cleaning grocery store floors; I held the job for almost 5 years (ages 13 to 18)
The first historical event I clearly remember is the Iran hostage crisis in 1979, I was about seven years old. I remember the anxious adults watching the TV in the living room, the constant news updates, and the way teachers and neighbors talked about it like something that touched everyone’s lives.
Even as a child, the images and the sense of uncertainty stuck with me. It shaped an early sense that decisions made far away can have real impact at home, and it helped form my belief that public service and steady leadership matter — those lessons still guide why I run for office today.
I look up to people who lead with integrity, courage, and compassion, even when it comes at personal cost. One example is John Lewis. His life showed that leadership is not about titles or recognition, but about standing up for justice, even when it’s unpopular or dangerous. His belief in “good trouble” taught me that change comes from persistence, humility, and a willingness to fight for what’s right without losing sight of humanity.
I would like to follow that example in public service—listening first, standing firm when it matters, and always remembering that leadership is about serving others. For me, it’s about carrying forward the idea that progress comes when we stand up for fairness and bring people together around shared values of dignity and respect.
I want my legacy to be that I helped build a local government that was open, fair, and truly accountable to the people it serves. I would like residents to remember me as someone who listened, acted with integrity, and made their concerns feel valued.
As a foster and adoptive parent, I also hope my legacy reflects the belief that every child and family deserves stability, opportunity, and respect. If I can leave behind a stronger, more inclusive township where transparency is the norm and every resident feels they have a voice, then I will consider my service a success.
One of the hardest, most persistent struggles in my life has been managing chronic mental health challenges while trying to be fully present for my family and my community. Living with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD means I have to work harder than many to stay organized, keep promises, and show up consistently—especially when days stack up and everything feels heavier.
That struggle has been humbling, it has forced me to learn practical systems for staying functional, and it has taught me the value of asking for help. I’ve learned to build routines, use tools and supports, and rely on trusted people when I need them, whether that’s for childcare, household logistics, or emotional support. It also pushed me to learn self-advocacy in medical and social systems, which has been useful when navigating services for my family and for others I’ve represented as a Guardian ad Litem.
At the same time, living with these challenges made me more patient, more empathetic, and more determined to create systems that work for people who struggle quietly. It shaped my belief that good leadership is not perfection, it’s persistence and honesty. I don’t pretend I’ve “overcome” everything, but I use what I’ve learned to be a steadier parent, a better community advocate, and a public servant who understands the real, everyday obstacles many residents face.
One of my favorite books is Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. It was my mother’s favorite, and reading it with her made it special to me. Beyond the personal connection, the story has always stayed with me because of its lessons about friendship, kindness, and sacrifice. Charlotte shows how small acts of care and courage can make a huge difference in someone else’s life, and that message has shaped the way I try to live and serve others.
The book reminds me that true leadership and community are built on compassion, loyalty, and using whatever gifts we have to help those around us. It’s a simple story, but its wisdom is timeless, and it continues to guide my values today.
Superman, because he represents something I try to live by: using whatever strengths you have to protect others, especially the most vulnerable. It’s not the cape or the superpowers that appeal to me, it’s the responsibility he feels to do the right thing, the courage to stand up when it’s hard, and the stubborn belief that one person can make life better for many.
Like Superman, I want to show up for people who don’t have a voice, to use whatever abilities I have—experience, patience, a willingness to listen—to keep my community safer and fairer. I admire his humility too: despite incredible power, he cares about everyday people, their struggles, and small acts of kindness. That balance of strength and compassion is the model I try to follow in public service and in family life.
ChatGPT said:
Township trustees are unique because they serve as both the legislative and executive leaders for the township. Unlike other offices that separate these powers, trustees are directly responsible for creating policy, managing budgets, and overseeing services that affect residents every day—such as fire protection, roads, cemeteries, and community programs.
What makes the role especially important is its closeness to the people. Trustees are often the first point of contact when residents have concerns, meaning they must be approachable, responsive, and accountable. The office also connects local needs to county and state resources, making trustees a vital bridge between residents and larger systems of government.
This combination of hands-on authority and direct community connection makes township trustees a central part of local government and an essential voice for residents.
Yes. One of the most memorable stories I’ve heard came from a neighbor who shared how hard it was to keep up with everyday expenses after her husband passed away. She talked about the frustration of navigating services, the confusion of paperwork, and how alone she felt trying to get help. What struck me most was not just her struggle, but the quiet resilience she carried, still showing up for others in the community even while she was hurting.
Her story reminded me that behind every policy and budget line is a real person whose life is directly impacted by the choices leaders make. It reinforced my belief that government must be accessible, compassionate, and responsive to people’s real needs. It’s not abstract—it’s about whether a widow can stay in her home, whether a family can find stability, whether neighbors feel seen and supported. That conversation stays with me and drives how I want to serve.
One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is my family. My husband and I have built a home filled with love, stability, and opportunity for our sons—all of whom came to us through fostering and adoption. Watching them grow, overcome challenges, and discover their own strengths has been the most meaningful achievement of my life.
Raising our boys has taught me patience, persistence, and the power of unconditional support. It has also given me a deeper understanding of how much families depend on community resources, fair policies, and strong leadership. My sons are a daily reminder of why I serve—because every child and every family deserves the chance to feel safe, valued, and supported.
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External links
[1] ↑ Submitted to Ballotpedia's candidate survey in 2025.
