Etna Township, Ohio

JOHN CARLISLE

For Etna Township Trustee

Experienced Leadership. Proven Commitment.

Transparent leadership, fiscal responsibility, and practical solutions to the issues that matter most to our neighbors and families.

Experience

Integrity

Results

About John Carlisle

Experienced Leadership. Proven Commitment.

John Carlisle has called Etna home for over 40 years. With more than two decades of experience in community development and public service, he's dedicated his life to making Etna a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

John understands what matters most to Etna families — strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and responsible growth. As a small business owner and active volunteer, he's faced the same challenges our residents experience every day, from property taxes and school funding to infrastructure and public safety.

John has a proven record of getting results through collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and practical problem-solving.

He believes local government should be transparent, accountable, and focused on people — not politics. John is ready to bring his dedication and work ethic to serve Etna Township and ensure our community's future stays strong and sustainable.

John Carlisle - Enjoying life in Etna Township and wanting to keep it that way!

Etna's Priorities

John is focused on the issues that matter most to Etna families and businesses

Property Tax Relief

John Carlisle believes property taxes should never become a burden that drives residents—especially seniors—out of their homes. He supports significant property tax reform aimed at reducing rates and easing the burden on fixed income residents, while also ensuring that essential township services remain properly funded.

John advocates for a fairer, more efficient tax system that prioritizes responsible spending, explores alternative funding options, and keeps Etna Township strong without overtaxing its residents.

School Funding

John Carlisle believes that strong schools are the foundation of a strong community. He understands that investing in education means investing in Etna's future — but that funding must be transparent, accountable, and fair to both taxpayers and families.

John supports responsible school funding that prioritizes classrooms over bureaucracy, ensuring teachers have the resources they need while keeping local taxes in check. He will work to strengthen collaboration between township and school leaders to find smarter, more efficient ways to fund education — so every child in Etna Township has access to quality learning opportunities without placing unnecessary strain on residents.

Fiscal Responsibility

John Carlisle believes government should live within its means just like families and small businesses do. He is committed to responsible budgeting, efficient spending, and transparent financial oversight to ensure every tax dollar is used wisely.

John supports prioritizing essential services, cutting waste, and demanding accountability from every department. He believes Etna Township can deliver high quality services while keeping taxes low through smarter planning, competitive bidding, and long term financial stewardship.

As a small business owner, John understands the importance of balancing budgets and planning for the future, and he will bring that same common sense approach to managing Etna Township's finances.

Public Safety

John Carlisle believes that protecting the safety and well being of Etna Township residents is the top priority of local government. He is proud of the men and women who serve our community, from the Licking County Sheriff's deputies who patrol our neighborhoods to the fire services that stand ready to respond in times of need.

John supports ensuring both law enforcement and fire services have the training, equipment, and staffing necessary to keep our growing community safe. He believes in maintaining strong partnerships with the Sheriff's Office and supporting the fire board, where Etna Township has representation, to ensure rapid response times and reliable coverage for every resident.

As Etna continues to grow, John will advocate for responsible planning and funding to meet increasing safety demands while keeping costs under control. His goal is a township where families feel secure, first responders feel supported, and every call for help is answered with speed, professionalism, and care.

Responsible Growth

John Carlisle is dedicated to ensuring Etna Township grows in a way that benefits everyone — residents, businesses, and future generations alike. He believes progress should be guided by common sense planning, community input, and transparency every step of the way.

John is committed to working closely with township boards, residents, and local stakeholders to manage growth responsibly. He supports thoughtful development that protects Etna's small-town character while improving infrastructure, supporting local schools, and attracting quality businesses that strengthen our local economy.

For John, responsible growth means balancing opportunity with preservation — keeping Etna a safe, welcoming community with the services, roads, and green spaces that make it a great place to live.

Community Endorsements

Endorsements and testimonials from community members

"I saw firsthand John Carlisle's unwavering commitment to Etna Township. He always demonstrated sincerity, professionalism, and dedication to doing what's right for the community. There is no one better suited for this job than Trustee John Carlisle."

Matthew D. Stewart, Esq.

Attorney and Former Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Licking County Prosecutor's Office

"John Carlisle hits a hole in one when it comes to serving the community. His commitment to Etna Township and support for local businesses make a real difference. John listens, cares, and always follows through — that's the kind of leadership we need."

Ron Sabatino

Owner, Cumberland Trails Golf Course

"Having served as an Etna Township Trustee, I know firsthand what it takes to lead with integrity and make tough decisions for our community. John Carlisle has consistently shown the dedication, experience, and common sense Etna needs. He's a steady hand who truly cares about our residents and our future."

Randy Foor

Former Etna Township Trustee

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Voting Information

Everything you need to know about voting in Etna Township

Election Day

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Polls open 6:30 AM - 7:30 PM

Find Your Polling Location

Visit the Licking County Board of Elections website to find your assigned polling location.

Voter Registration

Registration deadline has passed. Check your registration status online.

Early Voting

Early in-person voting available at the Board of Elections office.

Fact vs Fiction

Setting the record straight about John Carlisle and his vision for Etna Township.

Annexation and Township Boundaries

Fiction:

Reynoldsburg is taking over parts of Etna Township through annexation, and the township's borders are at risk.

Fact:

John Carlisle protected Etna Township by supporting and implementing a formal non-annexation agreement with the City of Reynoldsburg, established in 2015 and reaffirmed through later joint economic development agreements.

This agreement clearly defines which parcels can and cannot be annexed, ensuring Etna Township's boundaries and authority remain secure.

The arrangement was designed specifically to protect Etna from unwanted annexation while encouraging smart, cooperative economic development that benefits both communities.

Growth and Development

Fiction:

Development in Etna is happening without oversight or accountability.

Fact:

Every major development project in Etna Township goes through public review, zoning procedures, and coordination with township boards and local agencies.

The township follows strict planning and approval processes to ensure that growth is balanced, transparent, and in the best interest of residents.

John Carlisle will bring back a focus on responsible growth — attracting quality development while preserving the township's character and services.

Community Services and Partnerships

Fiction:

Etna Township is losing control of its local services to outside agencies.

Fact:

Etna Township maintains representation on the fire board through a sitting member and contracts directly with the Licking County Sheriff's Office for dedicated law enforcement.

These partnerships allow the township to provide high-quality, locally accountable services while maintaining cost efficiency and input on community priorities.

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