Shayne Thomas visits Seneca Anti-Wind Union tent as he considers run for State Representative: source

TIFFIN, OH — Seneca County Commissioner Shayne Thomas paid a surprise visit to the Seneca Anti-Wind Union tent at the Tiffin Farmers’ Market on Saturday.

Thomas spoke with several constituents at the tent regarding wind turbine projects, and even signed up to participate in SAWU’s raffle.

Thomas has been a leading voice in support of wind turbine projects in the area.

A source familiar with his line of thinking told TiffinOhio.net News that Thomas, a Republican, is considering a run for State Representative of the 88th district, which includes Sandusky and Seneca counties.

The seat is currently held by State Rep. Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin), who is running in the GOP primary for State Senate next year against conservative challenger and Marysville businesswoman Melissa Ackison.

Currently, the only candidate that has officially announced their intention to run for Reineke’s seat is Gary Click, a controversial pastor from Fremont who is running on the Republican ticket.

The entrance of Thomas or another Republican candidate into the race would set up a tough primary fight.

The source said Thomas could be starting to shift his views on wind turbine projects in the area, in part due to large public opposition, as well as the fact that the two other county commissioners, Mike Kerschner and Anthony Paradiso, are staunchly anti-wind.