Campaign Phone Number
3307349292
Education
college
Training & Experience
member of the Kent Planning Commission for past 2 years
Volunteer & Community Service
Have run numerous events to raise money for local charities. Food drives for Kent Social Services
I believe that a "Rising tide raises all ships" I think it's important that whatever we do for this town that it has the ability to affect all people positively. Since our community is only as strong as our weakest we need to find ways to help and protect them. Any economic diversification and incubation should correspond with job training for those in town willing to shift their focus. Also, as we face possibly harder economic times due to the current terrible administration it is important that we focus on strengthening all programs that help those in need. Kent Social Services has already faced increased demand in the last few years it is important to find ways to back them up. I'd like to see a push for a victory garden program to help provide fresh produce as well as teach those who want to provide for themselves. Mainly I envision Kent as a town that holds strong against prevailing self-centered sentiments.
Kent's reliance on the University as its primary economic driver puts the town at risk especially in times like this. Kent State is facing budget deficits while the current administration is cutting funding for schools and students. The health of this town is directly tied to the health of the university and it's student population. A downturn in this sector could debilitate a town already facing financial pressures of the last few years.
Economic diversification is key. A focus on emerging tech and green energy sectors. also, focus on incubating and incentivizing startups and small businesses that emerge from the University to stay in town. Plenty of commercial property in town that can be repurposed as incubators/ accelerators.
I believe the challenges are tied to housing and population. How can Kent continue economic growth with a declining and aging population and continued tourism competition from neighboring towns with their own redevelopment projects. Kent is a mature land-locked city with multiple decades of stagnant population growth due to limited housing supply. While property values are stable, the lack of housing has created an affordability problem for young professionals who just graduated and families.
Recommendations would be for City Management to focus on finding and working with private firms and non-profit organizations whose goals align with the mission to create suitable affordable housing whether it be repurposing older facilities or new builds. The focus would also be on transitional housing for our older population. Which would free up some of the larger houses while giving them the ability to stay and live in the town they love.
Campaign Phone Number
(330)203-0853
Education
Ohio University, Bachelors of Business Administration, 1990. Cleveland - Marshall College of Law, Juris Doctorate, 1993.
Training & Experience
18 years of employment with third party administrator's handling worker's compensation claim, 9 years solo practice, license currently inactive
Volunteer & Community Service
Volunteer campaign worker for the general election and primary campaigns of John Kerry, Barack Obama, Bernie Sanders, and Joe Biden
Residents and visitors should find Kent to be a good city to live in, raise a family, and visit for entertainment. Obviously no one would want anything else. Approaching that goal requires competent city administration that solicits input from involved parties, fairly weighs competing interests, and makes decisions based upon applicable law.
Kent has seen rapid growth in recent years, particularly in the downtown area, and there's no good reason to think it will stop anytime soon. That's a good thing. But with growth comes a number of issues, not the least of which are traffic, parking, and infrastructure strain. Solutions for problems associated with growth can often be addressed by capital improvements where the decision making rests primarily with the civil engineers. On the other hand, those problems that may arise due to private property and business concerns require city council's focus on the preparedness of the parties; have they planned for parking and occupancy for example? And can we expect negative consequences following a projects completion such as pollution, noise, and crime? Getting the answers to these questions before a decision is made is largely how I propose addressing this issue.
Aside from the growth issue addressed in the previous question the challenges facing Kent seem to be much the same as they are in other cities: the condition of our roads and sidewalks and parks, the safety of our school zones, the maintenance and appearance of our properties, and so on. Its a long list. With that in mind I'll note that should I be elected to city council, I will be part of a administrative body that makes decisions democratically and most importantly, makes decisions representing the needs of our constituency. Rest assured I'll have plenty to say as the need arises but my highest priorities will always be availability and the willingness to listen to the people that put me there.
Campaign Phone Number
3308614189
Education
Master of Arts in Asia-Pacific Policy, University of British Columbia (2012); Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude, Kent State University (2003)
Training & Experience
Assistant Vice President, Foundation Relations – Kent State University (2024–Present); Executive Director, Foundation Relations – Kent State University (2019–2024)
Volunteer & Community Service
City of Kent Board of Zoning Appeals (6.5 years); City of Kent Fair Housing Board (3 years), City of Kent Salary Review Committee; Kent Rotary Board Member, Service; Treasurer Kent Episcopal Church
Kent is where I live, work and recreate. Every day, I walk to work at Kent State University, my kids attend Kent City Schools, and my family is deeply rooted in this community. I believe in a Kent community that continues to be a vibrant, welcoming, and forward-thinking city—a place where residents can thrive, businesses can grow, and the unique character of our town is preserved.
To implement this vision, I will advocate for thoughtful development that supports affordable housing, attracts good jobs, and enhances the cultural vibrancy of our city. My many years of experience volunteering on Kent City Board of Zoning Appeals, Fair Housing Board, and Salary Review Committee have given me firsthand insight into the challenges we face, and the importance of making strategic decisions that benefit all residents. I will work to ensure that Kent remains a place where families, students, employees, and businesses all feel valued and supported.
One of the most pressing issues facing Kent is the need for balanced growth that maintains affordability while fostering economic and community development. Over the past 15 years, Kent has experienced significant improvements, from downtown redevelopment to new housing options. However, as we continue to grow, we must ensure that development aligns with the needs of all residents, particularly in terms of housing affordability and access to good jobs.
I propose addressing this by supporting policies that encourage smart, right-sized development—projects that enhance Kent’s infrastructure and economic base without displacing residents, or altering the character of our neighborhoods. My experience in Kent zoning and housing policy has given me the knowledge to navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring that future growth is both sustainable and beneficial to the entire community.
Kent faces several challenges, including housing affordability, economic growth, and cost efficiencies paired with sustainability efforts.
Affordable Housing & Development – As demand for housing increases, we must ensure that Kent remains an affordable and accessible place to live. I will advocate for development policies that encourage a mix of housing options, protect renters, and support responsible growth that aligns with the needs of the community.
Economic Development & Job Growth – Encouraging local business growth and ensuring strong job opportunities for residents is crucial. My background in public policy and my work with Senator Sherrod Brown’s office have given me experience in advocating for investment in communities like Kent.
Sustainability & Cost Efficiencies – We can achieve both cost savings to our city budget AND address the pressing need to address sustainability at the same time.
Campaign Phone Number
330-678-0540
Education
B.A. Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo MI / M.Ed. Kent State University
Training & Experience
Former Member of Kent City Council , First Recycling Coordinator for the City of Kent
Volunteer & Community Service
Vice-Chair for Portage County Solid Waste Management District's Policy Committee, On Kent's Sustainability Commission, Go to tracywallach.org for additional community service works
More affordable housing for seniors and young families. Turn the river into a destination point. Make Kent more sustainable.
Regarding sustainability, the City has adopted a CAP - a climate action plan - which will help guide the City in actions towards more sustainable operations like extending solarization of City buildings beyond the fire station and water plant, solar fields to generate energy to power City services and replacing old City vehicles with electric ones. Replacing vehicles might initially be more expensive, but in the long run electric vehicles are cheaper and have better acceleration and power. Many communities are already doing this with their police vehicles with much success.
For housing for senior and young families, developers of low-income and senior housing could be partnered with to provide the right mix of housing.
Turn the river into a destination point by constructing kayak and tubing runs.
Currently, the most important issue facing the City is the uncertainty of federal funding. Many of the City infrastructure projects depend heavily on state and federal grants and loans to move forward. If federal funding is no longer available, City staff will need to come up with creative ways to support these projects. We will need to prioritize and localize response to fund critical projects.
One of the most important concerns currently facing the City is the aging infrastructure. With the current chaos in Washington, funding is now up in the air. For these projects, green infrastructure could be localized such as rain gardens, swales and permeable pavers to offset storm water runoff. State programs could make up some of the difference for sewer and water projects.
Providing affordable housing for seniors and young families is also a challenge. One way to approach this problem would be private/public projects such as Maple Brook near route 261 which was a result of pressure from Council members applied on the City in response to the change of Silver Oaks from a 55 and older senior complex near campus to student housing. Developers of low-income and senior housing could be partnered with to provide the right mix of housing.
Education
2008 Graduate of Kent State University
Training & Experience
19 years of teaching in Early Education at Kids Kare Kent Campus
Volunteer & Community Service
Longcoy School Association Member since 2016 Newest member of the Kent Civil Service Commission
I envision the future of Kent where every person in the community feels empowered to contribute to our community in such a way that everyone feels that their voices are heard and they feel welcome and accepted for who they are. Maintaining a sense of belonging for local residence and college students attending our wonderful university. I would implement this by encouraging community involvement by participating in the numerous events that the city works so hard to put on year round for our beautiful city.
I think currently there are two issues that I would like to help address in the city of Kent. The first one being affordable, clean and safe housing. Kent is a very unique city, we have both permanent residents and college students. One of the biggest complaints that I talk with young people about is the housing crisis and lack of affordable, maintained housing. I am proposing that we address these issues and work with both landlords and tenants to come to an agreement to provide safe affordable housing. Which will be no easy feat but I feel up to the challenge and I think holding a town hall to discuss this issue is a great way to start.
The other issue in Kent is the crumbling roads. I have been taking car rides down both main and side streets to get know know all areas
Of Kent, the city that I hope to get to represent and I am certain that there are very few roads in Kent that are not in serious need of repair. I will fight for funds to get these roads repaired!
I think economic growth is a challenge in Kent. I see businesses come and go especially in downtown Kent and I believe that one of the reasons is the price of rent in that area. I would like to try to help bring new business into the city and help businesses find economic relief that are already doing business in our city. As Stow continues to grow and bring in commercial business I think Kent deserves a chance to have some of those businesses possibly move into our town to increase our economic growth and bring jobs to Kent. We have older retail space especially on the East side that sit empty that could bring growth to our wonderful city.
