The 2021 election has proved to be quite the choice for Antwerp residents as nine people have filed paperwork to fill four open seats on the Antwerp village council. Bryce Steiner is, of course, a resident and business owner, serving the village and surrounding counties. His experience with running a current business is unique to the government position compared to the current sitting members.
Bryce moved to Antwerp in 2005 with his wife, Angel, and his four young children. They moved to Leinard Mobile Home Park. They started the West Bend Printing and Publishing Inc. business along with partners Steve and Sue Knapp. They are a part of the church in the Antwerp community called Riverside Christian Church at the Maumee River. Bryce is an active Chamber member, and Rotarian,
“There are a few things that desperately need changed in the village, and one of those is to make sure that passing ordinances as an emergency is used specifically and only when there are emergencies and not because of poor planning, or used as a tool to eliminate public comment, as has been used.” stated Bryce Steiner as he recalled a recent pay increase of $10 per hour for a village contractor, as an emergency. “I believe all residents should be able to give input, which is exactly why the state mandates a three reading process for ordinances.” There are times when emergencies are required, such as the passing of Mayor DeLong, but not unless there really are emergencies such as loss of life or property. This is why the local government must be more transparent. All meeting agendas must be made public before meetings. “I would like to see meetings posted online and live streamed, if possible.”
Bryce has also stated publicly that he would like to see people treated the same, using the same rules. A recent disappointment in the council was not protecting local entrepreneurs when the food truck issue came about. What that means is if a business is operating and required to take income taxes at a brick and mortar location, then the same should apply to business in trailers.
In light of recent events concerning supply chain issues, and going back further, when Antwerp sadly lost our grocery store, residents need to have the right and incentives to grow their own food. This could be chickens, goats and other small farm animals and promoting gardening. Barking dogs are allowed in the village, but a compost pile is not. Why? Our zoning needs updated for the times. People need empowered to be able to supplement their diets with natural, home-grown food, if they choose. Does that mean there would be factory farms in the village? Absolutely not, but it does mean that you could have a couple of fresh eggs each morning and know exactly where it came from.
If you believe that freedom is what we want, then Bryce Steiner could be your choice for Antwerp Village Council.
