Education
Bachelor's Degree - Gannon University, Master of Divinity - St. Vincent Seminary, Master of Education - John Carroll University, Doctor of Education
Experience
For the past four years, I have been serving on the Bainbridge Board of Trustees. This includes membership in the Geauga County Township Association and the Ohio Township Association.
Volunteer/Community Service
I have been a teacher in the Kenston School District since 1997. Most of my volunteer service has centered around school district events (sports, concerts, musical performances)
A trustee's job is to act in the best interests of the township in a variety of areas. The trustee oversees those who serve the township as safety officers (fire and police) as well as service workers (roads and properties). A trustee must also oversee the use of taxpayer dollars, ensuring that the money is well-spent and meets the needs of township residents. Finally, trustees work together to help create a community in which residents can live, work and raise families safely and successfully.
I believe that my service on the Board the past 4 years has met or exceeded the roles described above. I have spent time listening to residents and making decisions that I believe will continue to make Bainbridge a great place to live.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
I have been working on creating a YouTube channel to provide livestream broadcasts of our trustee meetings. Unfortunately, when we had to evacuate our Town Hall for emergency renovations, much of that work had to be delayed until the Town Hall can be used again by the Board of Trustees. Within the next 6 months, meetings should be accessible to residents who wish to watch them (live or recorded).
Education
Bachelor of Science Ohio University, Paramedic, Firefighter, Fire inspector
Experience
Assistant Fire Chief dealing with Department budget, Plans review, and planning and zoning. Previous union president dealing with labor relations and contract negotiations. Small business owner for over 20 years.
Volunteer/Community Service
Russell Fire Department (1988-1996)
From the age of 14, I've dedicated my life to serving others-as a firefighter, paramedic, small business owner, and now Assistant Fire Chief. Running a successful business for over 20 years taught me fiscal responsibility, accountability, and the importance of customer service. My decades of fire and EMS experience has given me vast understanding of public safety, emergency planning, leadership and teamwork. I've managed budgets, led emergency responses, negotiated contracts, and made tough decisions that put people first. As township trustee, I'll bring integrity, dedication, and proven service to ensure taxpayer dollars are managed wisely, our community remains safe, and residents' voices and needs always come first in every decision.
Bainbridge Township faces growing fiscal challenges that require careful, responsible leadership. The cost of services and equipment for our service department, fire, and police continue to rise, putting pressure on the budget. Personnel expenses, including salaries, training and overtime, add additional pressure, while healthcare costs for employees remain a growing and unavoidable burden. At the same time, residents are already taxed enough, and raising rates is not a sustainable option. The challenge is clear: we must preserve essential services, maintain safety, and keep infrastructure strong, all without raising taxes. The solution lies in smarter budgeting, efficient planning, and making the most out of every taxpayer dollar.
As trustee, I will address several key community challenges with balance and vision. A top priority is maintaining Bainbridge's valued green space while also finding ways to responsibly increase tax revenue. Protecting natural areas while supporting smart growth will keep our township both beautiful and sustainable. I also want to support local businesses and industry in clearly defined areas, helping them succeed without disrupting residential neighborhoods. At the same time, it is essential to keep community services strong- fire, police, roads, and maintenance- so residents continue to feel safe and supported. All of this must be accomplished without raising taxes, through efficiency, fiscal discipline, and smart long-term planning
As trustee, I will make it a priority to keep residents informed and engaged with township issues and decisions. Open, transparent communication builds trust and ensures every voice can be heard. I will expand the use of the township website and social media to provide timely updates and clear explanation of upcoming projects, budgets, and policies. Regular township meetings and open office hours will give residents opportunities to ask questions, share concerns, and be part of the discussion. Meetings will continue to be accessible through live streams and recordings. Residents can always contact me directly at Mattdomonkos@windstream.net
Education
BA-Botany, Miami University; Masters-Landscape Architecture, The Ohio State University
Experience
33-year resident having served on the following: Bainbridge Park Board, Bainbridge Cemetery Committee, Bainbridge Zoning Commission, Bainbridge Township Trustee (2006-Present)
Volunteer/Community Service
Board Member, Geauga Metropolitan Housing Authority; Member, Bainbridge Civic Club; Founder and Board Member, Kenston Futbol Club
The role of a Township Trustee is to be a steward for its residents, guiding the departments that serve those who live and work in our community.
Townships are Ohio’s simplest and most efficient and accessible form of government, offering direct contact with elected officials and staff. Trustees must be available to listen and act on concerns, transparent in discussions and decisions, and compliant with Ohio law while seeking creative, practical solutions to challenges.
My thirty-plus years of experience in township, community, and county roles has prepared me to lead effectively, represent residents fairly, and work collaboratively to represent Bainbridge and ensure our township remains strong, responsive, and forward-looking.
.
The biggest fiscal challenge facing Bainbridge is funding township services (Police, Fire/EMS, Roads, Zoning, Parks/Properties, and Administrative) with property taxes that are unpopular with residents and facing statewide scrutiny.
Township services are funded by property taxes alone with limited other revenue options; townships cannot impose an income tax. Costs of goods and labor necessary for the operation of the township continue to increase while the value of an existing levy that supports these services is fixed at a point in time.
It is extremely challenging to ask residents for more money to support these services and maintain their expectations when income is not increasing at the same rate as expenses. Efficiency is key!
Bainbridge faces challenges common to many communities: traffic, land development pressures, power outages, flooding, and gaps in services or amenities.
In Ohio townships, trustee authority is limited to what the Ohio Revised Code (ORC)—and its legal interpreters—allow. Residents often ask trustees to address speeding, traffic control, firearms, and noise ordinances, but not all fall within our scope or authority.
I work to find creative, sometimes unconventional solutions, ensuring they comply with the ORC and Geauga County oversight. Some succeed after significant effort; others prove unworkable.
A strong trustee keeps an open mind, considers every option, and works persistently to find solutions that best serve the community.
Communication with residents is a very real challenge and townships like Bainbridge will need to rely more and more on social media and an Internet presence.
As trustees, we are encouraged when people take the time to attend our meetings and ask questions. We appreciate when reporters from our local newspapers attend and report on our discussions.
Attendance and newspapers, unfortunately, do not reach the majority, and we need to improve our reach so that it is convenient for many to know what the trustees are discussing and decisions made.
By making information transparent, easy to access, and actively seek community feedback, we can build trust and ensure residents feel heard and involved in the issues that affect their township.
