XENIA TOWNSHIP — Incumbents Scott W. Miller and Susan Spradlin retained their Xenia Township trustee seats according to unofficial election results.

Miller received 898 votes, while Spradlin garnered 714. Challenger Roy R. Colbrunn, looking to be elected for the first time, had 582votes.

Miller cited annexation as a major problem in the township and said the trustees and need to work with the Ohio Township Association to give townships a strong voice in the annexation process.

“Deterioration of Xenia Township by annexation from Xenia and Fairborn are the greatest problems for our township by far,” Miller said prior to the election. “These annexations lead to further loss of tax base for the township, which in turn will create a heavier burden on taxpayers when Levies are needed in maintaining service such as fire, EMS and roads. These challenges need to continue to be meet strongly by the township and work with the Ohio Township Association to give townships a strong voice in the annexation process by working with the state legislature to revamp annexation laws to give a fair balance for all parties involved.”

Colbrunn agreed that annexation is not a good thing for the township.

“Protecting homeowner’s rights must be a priority,” he said in a pre-election questionnaire. “All three candidates have stated we are against annexation. I believe that annexation erodes the rural feel of Xenia Township. It also enables a city to push industry and businesses into our backyards while they collect revenues and taxes that would need to be fairly allocated to our township for those services we provide. While we currently have developed great partnerships with our neighbors, we cannot sit idly by and watch our communities consumed by balloon annexation. Property owners should be allowed to utilize their property in ways they choose as long as it does not interfere with or harm neighboring properties or the environment. This is a balancing act which requires clear rules and understanding of the zoning ordinances. Annexation takes your voice out of the hands of your elected officials leaving those ordinances and rules protecting your property to be changed or eliminated by city officials. As your trustee, I would continue the aggressive fight against annexation.”