02/24/2025

Voice of County Leadership: Joe Antram, Logan County Commissioner & CCAO Secretary

How long have you been a county commissioner?

I’ve been a commissioner since 2017. 

Can you tell me about yourself? What is your professional background? What other elected positions have you held? Why did you first run?

I’m proud to represent Logan County because I was born and raised locally on the Antram Family Farm, which has been in our family for more than 100 years. After directing high school band programs for 35 years in districts in Logan County, I retired from teaching in 2013. My engagement in agriculture, commitment to public good and devotion to my community have been integral to my efforts as a commissioner.

Why did you want to be a commissioner? What are you most proud of for having achieved in your time as commissioner?

With this spirit of service, I’ve been comfortable fulfilling the duties of a county leader. This office has allowed me the opportunity to interact with others and help to make decisions with impartiality and integrity.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve dealt with as a county commissioner?

Of course, the position of commissioner is not without its share of challenges. Our role in helping to find consensus can be difficult during polarizing circumstances. Farming continues to be the top enterprise in West Central Ohio.  Not everyone recognizes or appreciates the driving forces behind new economic development. Industrialization, non-traditional Agricultural methods and capital formation are sometimes met with distrust and skepticism.  A big challenge for leaders in rural counties is to find ways to preserve pride in heritage while also exploring contemporary opportunities. Solid communication from all angles and relying on your planning commission can help to formulate a long-range plan for your county that will accommodate most interests.

What do you find are the most successful methods for reaching out to the residents of your county to communicate what your office is doing and why it’s doing it?

A positive relationship between state officials and county government is essential to ensuring progress for our citizens. Communication between both sides needs to be honest and take place often.  It is beneficial to everyone when state representatives and senators ask for county opinions before voting on legislation. With the encouragement of CCAO, I’ve become more adept at calling state leaders proactively when issues affect Ohio’s counties.  Here’s hoping that the newly elected members of the legislature will compliment those who are already good listeners.

To keep current with county concerns, our residents are welcome to express their opinions and interests twice a week during scheduled open forum sessions at the Commissioners’ Office.  People appreciate being able to stop in to visit since no appointment is required. An outreach program initiated by commissioner Mike Yoder honors a distinguished citizen with the American flag that was flown above the Logan County Courthouse the previous month. Honorees have included veterans and centenarians who have served their country and county well. We’ve received a great deal of media attention and positive community support for this program.

One of the primary responsibilities of a commissioner is to develop a balanced budget and provide adequate resources to deliver county services. What has been one of the biggest challenges in that area?

Management of finances is crucial to the success of any business model.  Realizing this was an important part of my transition from a teaching staff member to commissioner. Creating budgets that influence several offices has been a learning experience for me, especially during the roller-coaster economy during COVID-19.  We were able to adjust hours of operation in some offices to adjust finances and still adequately served our citizens. The county elected officials worked as a team to retain staff and deliver a balanced budget.

Now we’re in a different situation with recent competitive workforce trends.  Employees express new expectations of pay, benefits and work conditions.  It’s a struggle to further develop attractive but affordable employment packages to attract and retain quality staff.

What advice do you have for our new members?

Working as a commissioner can be hectic and perplexing since it seems big decisions come across our desks every week. However, if we pledge to work with our fellow county officials in a positive manner, we can all achieve great things together! Empathetic interaction can help when communicating with constituents.  Tackling the next hot topic with collaboration and respect will help attain a “win-win” situation for all concerned.

Could you discuss your involvement with CCAO as well as the benefits of being an active member?

I’ve attended CCAO activities and conferences since first taking office. Insight, motivation and education gleaned from these events have helped me to confidently meet the demands of my position.  Anyone who is new to the commissioner position should take advantage of the services available through CCAO. For me, becoming a member of the CCAO Board of Directors (now holding the office of Secretary) has been an opportunity to share experiences and perspectives while learning the intricacies of policymaking.