Citizenship Class offered to public

Seneca County Commissioner Bill Frankart talks civics, encourages involvement

By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Media Relations Coordinator

Seneca County Commissioner Bill Frankart was a special guest at a citizenship class hosted by Diane Dietz and Randy and Cindi Noss at Old Fort Church on Feb. 18. The series of classes, which are offered through Patriot Academy, teach an overview of the U.S. Constitution and its impact on American history.

“It’s basically a civics class,” Dietz said. “It’s a refresher on government, and it’s to try to get people involved, so they know how to participate in the process of government.”

As Commissioner Frankart, a lifelong Seneca County farmer, talked about his public service as a 15-year trustee and now as a county commissioner, he provided a real-world example of the influence a person can have on his community when he gets involved. In his years in office, the commissioner has improved the quality of life for local residents. He fought to keep windmills out of the county, is helping revolutionize the county EMS system, and is now at the forefront of the fight to prevent WIN Waste Innovations from expanding its landfill in Fostoria.

Commissioner Frankart’s journey to the commissioners’ office came organically as he responded to needs in the community. During his involvement in the windmill fight, he recognized that the concerns of local residents were being ignored at the county level, and he sought a commissioners’ seat to ensure their collective voice would be heard.

“Sometimes you have to hang the plowshare up and get involved,” he told the crowd at the citizenship class.

The commissioner explained that getting involved doesn’t necessarily require running for office. Volunteers are needed to help on Election Day, to knock doors for candidates and to write letters to Congressional leaders about important issues.

“If you have a skillset, you can use it to help,” Commissioner Frankart said.

Dietz was grateful that Commissioner Frankart took the time to talk to the class, which was attended by over 30 people.

“It was just a pleasure to have him at the class,” Dietz said. “We so appreciate his dedication to the citizens of Seneca County.”

State Rep. Gary Click will be the special guest at the Feb. 25 citizenship class. For more information, contact Diane Dietz at dianemdietz@gmail.com.