GREEN TOWNSHIP — The two current Green Township trustees running for reelection are Mark Stepuk, co-owner of the Stepuk Tree Farm and a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard, and John Fromel , a retired former engineer for Packard Electric and Rockwell Automation. They face opposition from Michael Janik, a business owner and the perishable supervisor at Sparkle Markets, and Thomas Frank.

THOMAS FRANK

Frank did not return a questionnaire and did not respond to a request for information.

JOHN FROMEL

Fromel earned bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering and business administration from Youngstown State University and worked in management positions for Delphi Packard Electric and Rockwell Engineering. He was not a supporter of solar farms in the township and collaborated with the South Range schools community and state of Ohio “to secure funds and deliver a new K-12 school” while he was a member of the South Range Board of Education. He co-chaired the school operating levy campaign. He also led an initiative to “stand up a STEM program at South Range.”

He also “secured additional funds from (the) State of Ohio to service gifted children at South Range” and served three years as South Range PTO treasurer, supporting an auction and fundraisers to purchase new computers.”

Fromel, who is retired, has been a member of the Greenford Ruritans the past 12 years, which includes being part of the “Pit Crew” at the Canfield Fair, he said. He, his wife and children have lived in the township the past 24 years.

Regarding his top priorities as trustee, he stated that in addition to expansion of Coy Park, cemetery improvements and relocation of the recycling center, he wants to “maintain Green Township’s rural landscape.”

He noted that he negotiated a discount of about 40% on the fireproof cabinet he obtained to “protect our written historical history records. The cabinet was in place in the Township Administration Building in early August 2025.

He said, “My continued priority as a Green Township trustee will be the continued efficient and effective use of our budget while working collaboratively with the current trustees and the public we serve.”

MICHAEL JANIK

Janik, who graduated from South Range High School and The Ohio State University, owns two companies, Zieglers Trophies and Hickory Pasture Farm. He is related to U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Salem.

He said his top priorities as a Green Township trustee are supporting growth in the township while maintaining the township’s charm, promoting fiscal responsibility and increasing resident engagement.

He plans to accomplish these things through drawing on his management and organizational skills, encouraging open communication and bringing innovative ideas to township governance, he stated in materials he provided to The Vindicator.

He said he is “centered on growth with respect for tradition, fiscal stewardship and responsive local government for Green Township.”

In relation to growing the township and maintaining its charm, he stated that as a lifelong resident, he values the township’s unique identity and aims to promote thoughtful development that respects the community’s heritage. To accomplish this, he will advocate for development projects that align with residents’ values and traditions, while also seeking opportunities to enhance amenities and quality of life.

Regarding fiscal responsibility, he said his experience in overseeing budgets and managing operations in both private business and agriculture will inform his approach to budgeting, pursuing grants and ensuring tax dollars are spent efficiently.

He plans to collaborate with the other trustees and departments to maximize operational effectiveness and maintain stable township finances, he stated.

As for community engagement, Janik said he will promote open forums, regular communication and outreach efforts to make sure every resident feels heard and involved in local decision-making.​

MARK STEPUK

Stepuk earned a bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University in business administration and has been co-owner and operations manager of the Stepuk Tree Farm for the past 30 years. He has been a Green Township trustee since 2010 and served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1990 to 2020.

Stepuk said as part of his goal in the next four years of making continuous improvements to township roads, cemeteries and Coy Park, he will “fully support the township’s 10-year road rating / maintenance plan,” which he helped create.

“This plan will ensure that road funds are managed efficiently and spent wisely on paving, milling, crack sealing and road preservation techniques,’ Stepuk said.

He said he supports the continued use of the quarter percent county sales tax for making future road improvements through the Mahoning County Engineer’s Office.

“Green Township has the best roads in Mahoning County. And within the past three years, nearly a third of the township’s roads have been paved,” Stepuk stated in materials he provided to The Vindicator.

He said the township will apply for a state cemetery grant next year to assist with maintenance costs, he said. He and the two other current trustees also “established a plan to modernize Coy Park. We are looking at several grants that will help facilitate the addition of two baseball fields, handicap accessible restrooms, playground upgrades and improvements to the sled riding hill and basketball court area.”

As for safety forces, he “was integral in establishing an equipment modernization plan that used federal (American Rescue Plan) funds and COVID-19 funds to purchase two new ambulances for (emergency medical services) and a mini excavator, trailer and dump truck for the road department.”

He said in addition to the funding for the sign grant the township received recently, a grant of more than $16,000 was received for energy improvements and an annual community sponsor grant of $1,000. The township requested a Nature Works grant for improvements to Coy Park, he stated.