Helping Communities Thrive, One Neighbor at a Time

GLCAP Board of Directors Low-Income Representative Candidates and Voting Information

The self-nomination period has ended for GLCAP Board of Directors' low-income representatives for Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, and Wood counties. Current low-income representatives Ashley Walterbusch (Ottawa County) and Carol Kern (Seneca County) are unopposed in their respective county seats for the 2027-2028 term and will retain their seats.

Candidates Frances Benlein and Stacey Smith are seeking Sandusky County's 2027-2028 term. Candidates Ashley Dickey and Crista Lea Metzger are seeking Wood County's 2027-2028 term. The voting period will take place starting at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, through 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026. Ballot entries will only be accepted during this period. In the event of a tie, the winner of each county's election will be decided by a coin toss.

Information on candidates and a ballot link are provided below.

Please note that voters should be residents of the county in which they are voting and may not be a GLCAP employee or immediately related to any GLCAP staff.

Sandusky County Ballot

Wood County Ballot

Sandusky County

Frances Benlein

Frances Benlein is currently the secretary for the Sandusky County Senior Site Council. She has previously worked as a teacher at the elementary, secondary, and college-level, has served as assistant principal of St. Ursula Academy, and has been a church musician for 40 years. She has also served as a nun for 22 years. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education and a master's degree in history from Mary Manse College, and holds a master's degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame. She has also served as chairperson of Toledo Diocesan Liturgical Commission and on the Senior Center Advisory committee. 

"Given the times we are living in, it is obvious there are so many people that need help and support financial or otherwise. I am directly invested in the lives of seniors in our community, particularly those attending or receiving services from the Fremont/Sandusky County Senior Center. Through family members, I have been personally involved in meeting their transportation needs. Since being on the site council, I am learning the bigger picture of what low-income and our area are developing and needs. I think I am an enthusiastic person willing to learn and listen and help out in whatever way I can."

Stacey Smith

Stacey Smith is currently director of the Sandusky County Family & Children First Council and works with public agencies, schools, families, and other partners to coordinate services for children and families. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Bowling Green State University in child and family community services, is a licensed social worker, and is an Ohio certified prevention consultant. She is also involved in community collaborations that include the Prevention Partnership Coalition, Homeless Coalition, Maternal Health and Infant Mortality initiatives, Fremont City Schools District Leadership Team, EPIIC Leadership Team, Health Partners, Child Abuse/Neglect initiatives, ACE Mentoring Advisory Board, and Fremont Connections Advisory Group. She also serves on the Executive Committee of the Ohio Family and Children First Coordinators Association and on the ACE Mentoring Advisory Board.

"Throughout my career, I have worked closely with families experiencing financial hardship and the challenges that often accompany it, including housing instability, transportation barriers, food insecurity, behavioral health needs, childcare challenges, school attendance concerns, and difficulty navigating complex service systems. My work has taught me the importance of listening to families, understanding the barriers they experience, and ensuring that programs and systems are accessible and responsive. I would bring that perspective to the Board while advocating for the needs and interests of low-income Sandusky County residents. 

Wood County

Ashley Dickey

Ashley Dickey is a current member of the GLCAP Board of Directors. She is a registered medical assistant with an associate's degree in applied business and has a patient correspondence and wellness counseling certificate. She works at the Wood County Health District. She has also served for Head Start Policy Council and Help Me Grow, and has helped with various school and community events. 

"I enjoy working with GLCAP and connecting others with programs and partnerships and being able to use resources in health care to help other succeed in life. I love to use my knowledge and experience I've learned and continue to learn to help others. I was a single mother and GLCAP assisted and taught me a lot and I continue to give back in all walks of life."

Crista Lea Metzger

Crista Lea Metzger is a family coach for Mercy Health and has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She has a background in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), youth MHFA, suicide prevention and education, peer support, and family advocacy. She has volunteered for Save 22 and the Taylor Foundation, serves on the board of NAMI Wood County, and has served on the board for the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio. 

"I work with low-income families in my day-to-day job and coordinate those families with GLCAP frequently. I believe in the mission and the population it serves. I learned early in this career that the best way to know most current resources and to understand policies is to join a board. GLCAP is my most frequent referral source both ways. I have a passion for filling gaps in the community, I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of Wood County families, and I approach everything I do from a lens of lived experience."

Wood County Ballot