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CITY OF REYNOLDSBURG AUDITOR

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  • Candidate picture

    Stephen Cicak
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Shanette E. Strickland
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

What do you see as the one or two most significant challenges facing the community you would serve, and how would you propose to address them?

What are your primary priorities for your term in office, and how would you plan to finance these priorities?

Central Ohio continues to experience a large population growth. How do you propose to address needed changes to infrastructure and housing options in your community based on this increase in population?

How do you plan to engage with residents and community stakeholders to ensure their voices are heard and represented in your decision-making?

Describe your approach to building consensus and resolving disagreements among different community stakeholder groups.

Campaign Phone 6145718070
Campaign Email Cicakstephen@gmail.com
Campaign Website http://stephencicak.com
Occupation Auditor, City of Reynoldsburg
Education Attended Penn State & USF&G School of Insurance Graduate - Ohio Certificates in Municipal Securities, Investing in Commercial Paper, Bankers Acceptance, and Completion of Ohio Ethics Law 2025
Qualifications for Office My two terms as Auditor resulted in awards each year, including the highest award from the State, the Ohio Auditor of State Award with Distinction. In 2025, our team gained national recognition with the highest honor of the Government Finance Officers Association's Triple Crown Award. Reynoldsburg now joins Columbus, Dublin, and Upper Arlington.
In Ohio, local governments utilize fund accounting. Our Moody's Rating or Credit Rating risk depends largely on the management of these fund balances. Currently fund balances are being reduced due to growth in city payroll and capital projects. The city needs to either slow its spending or increase revenue by $12 million per year. A lower bond rating results in increased costs for taxpayers. Balancing spending and borrowing while modestly growing fund balances allows for future infrastructure maintenance planning. The most significant challenge for the future of Reynoldsburg will be to maintain the independent offices of the City Auditor and City Attorney. The results from independent offices are checks and balances in local government.
The Reynoldsburg Accounting System was purchased more than 15 years ago, and it was the most affordable option offered at the time. It is outdated, and with the city's growth and advancements in technology, it is now necessary to replace it. I am working with the administration to prepare for updating our system so that it can perform the tasks required of each city department in an integrated manner. I have generated millions in interest income for our city annually. We could finance this project from one of our highest sources of revenue, one that charges no fees or taxes to our residents. Interest Income.
I already have. I completed the MORPC 2025 program, as did Councilman Barth Cotner. That training led to the development of the bipartisan Comprehensive Master Plan. The Reynoldsburg Rezoning Code updates for the entire city were the result of that work. The Brice and Livingston to the Rt 70 corridor is an embarrassment to what it once was. The lack of investment in public safety forces has led to the current state of poverty and crime. To grow all housing, there must be an equal rate of growth for public safety. I am opposed to losing commercial property for housing unless mixed-use or revenue is generated equal to the costs of financing their share of city and school services.
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Campaign Phone 614-515-0928
Campaign Mailing Address 7178 FEATHER CT
REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio 43068
Occupation Educator
Education Associate in Electronic Engineering, B.S. in Business Management, Master of Business Administration; 25+ years in IT; union member; IT Educator
Qualifications for Office Legislator since 2020 and Current Council President, I’ve served on the Finance Committee and as Treasury for the Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) and Tax Increment Revenue Capital (TIRC) boards. I bring IT, business, and education experience and champion (ATM)—Accountability, Transparency, Modernization to protect taxpayer dollars.
One of the biggest challenges is restoring trust in how tax dollars, especially RITA taxes, are managed. Many residents feel frustrated with a lack of clarity. Through Accountability, Transparency, and Modernization, I will ensure residents can clearly see where their money is going, strengthen oversight, and modernize tools so our financial processes are accurate, fair, and easy to understand.
My primary priorities as City Auditor are Accountability, Transparency, and Modernization. Within the first six months, I will implement a comprehensive plan to review and optimize RITA processes, ensuring every dollar is tracked, collected fairly, and used responsibly. In my first year, I will leverage OhioCheckbook. By modernizing outdated systems, producing easy-to-read reports, and using technology to streamline operations, I will safeguard taxpayer funds, eliminate inefficiencies, and strengthen trust between City Hall and the community without increasing costs for residents.
While I do not set policy for housing and infrastructure, my role as Auditor is to ensure that the funds collected are properly accounted for and used responsibly. By applying ATM principles, I will provide transparent reporting on where resources are going so residents know their tax dollars are addressing growth needs fairly and effectively.
I will engage residents and stakeholders by holding regular public meetings to discuss current activities and developments that affect taxpayer dollars. Along with listening sessions, surveys, and clear financial reports, these meetings will ensure transparency and give residents a direct voice in how resources are managed. My goal is to make financial information accessible, include all perspectives, and show how community input shapes decisions. As City Auditor, I will keep accountability and fairness at the center of every action.
As City Auditor, I will foster consensus through active listening, transparency, and unwavering fairness. I prioritize engaging stakeholders early, providing clear, accessible financial information, and framing discussions around shared values such as fiscal responsibility and community trust. When priorities differ, I focus on common goals, seeking collaborative solutions that benefit all residents. I remain impartial, demonstrate how input directly shapes outcomes, and ensure every decision is accountable, equitable, and reflective of the community’s best interests.