VOTE411 Voter Guide

1. Public Safety and Community Well-Being "Drawing from my career as a Poland Township Police Officer, my first priority would be ensuring that the township remains a safe and welcoming place to live. This means supporting police, fire, and EMS services, improving community outreach, and making sure residents feel heard and protected."

2. Fiscal Responsibility and Smart Growth "With my business background at Aim Transportation, my second priority would be managing township resources responsibly. That includes creating efficient budgets, cutting waste, and planning for smart community development that balances growth with maintaining Poland Township’s character."

1. Public Safety and Community Well-Being “If elected, I will work closely with our police, fire, and EMS departments to make sure they have the tools, training, and support they need to protect our community. My years as a Poland Township Police Officer give me firsthand knowledge of the challenges they face, and I’ll use that experience to strengthen public safety while also building strong partnerships with residents through open communication and community programs.”

2. Fiscal Responsibility and Smart Growth “With my background in business and transportation, I know how to manage budgets, streamline operations, and make smart financial decisions. As Trustee, I’ll focus on eliminating wasteful spending, increasing transparency, and planning responsibly for the future of our township. I want to make sure every tax dollar is invested wisely, while protecting the character of Poland Township and encouraging growth that benefits the entire community.”

1. I want to facilitate growth and investment in the community to provide affordable housing for everyone from the young to the elderly. In addition, to provide opportunity for new businesses in our community.

2. Provide strong, experienced leadership to deal with the ever changing landscape of public funding. (ie. discussions at the State level of eliminating/changing property taxes and State income taxes).

1. Work in collaboration with the Poland Board of Education as well as the Village to remove North Elementary (which has cost the taxpayers well over a million dollars to maintain the last decade with no end in sight), as well as the non historic elements of Union.($200,000.00 was invested in Union this year and maintenance costs the taxpayers $70,000.00/year). Union has been vacant since 2021. Work with the State of Ohio in designating these properties Community Reinvestment Areas which would allow property tax exemptions for up to 15 years for new housing construction (think Columbiana). These areas could be designated for small Villas for empty nesters or affordable single family homes. Work with the Village to change zoning to commercial/wet in the historic section of Union to allow possible coffee shops or small restaurants. In addition, work alongside the Village to assure the Poland Public Library goes NO WHERE. Continue the side walks to school program by finding funding to provide sidewalks along Clingan Road and continue the sidewalks along 170 up to Harvest Run.

2. Having served the last 16 years on the Poland Board of Education, I am very knowledgeable regarding public funding, levies, mileage and property taxes. With all the discussion at the State level about possible changes to public funding it is important to have an experienced individual who has demonstrated strong leadership skills and who isn't afraid to make tough decisions.

My top priority remains the continued safety and well-being of our community. Every decision we make must reflect our commitment to protecting our residents and maintaining a secure, welcoming environment. Whether it’s through community policing, emergency preparedness, or proactive engagement, safety will always be at the forefront of my efforts.

A close second to public safety is ensuring that the township remains fiscally responsible. Responsible financial stewardship is essential to sustaining the services and infrastructure our community relies on. By maintaining a balanced budget and making smart, transparent decisions, we can support both immediate needs and long-term growth.

My plan of action for safety and well-being of our community would be to continue the important work of our current trustees and partner closely with our dedicated police department to strengthen community policing efforts. I will also pursue state and federal grants to support local safety programs, emergency preparedness, and crisis response initiatives. Advocate for county, state and federal support for public safety programs to ensure our community receives the support it deserves. I will continue to collaborate with our schools, nonprofits & local businesses. I believe collaborating with trusted community organizations allows us to run effective safety campaigns, public education efforts, and prevention programs that reach everyone.

My plan of action for ensuring fiscal responsibility would be to conduct thorough annual budget reviews with a focus on accuracy, cost-efficiency, and alignment with community priorities. Utilize outside resources whenever possible through grants, shared services or cooperative programs to reduce the burden on local taxpayers. By staying disciplined and strategic, we can protect our financial health while continuing to deliver high-quality services our residents deserve.

1. To continue to respond quickly to concerns within the township.

2. To continue to work well with my fellow trustees.

When a community member has a question or concern, it is the trustees job to quickly respond. This can be by a phone call, email, text, or going to the site where the concern is. Trustees also point people in the right direction for information and help that is needed. Most of what a trustee does is not what people see at the monthly meeting. It's what's done throughout the month to help people. I would continue to do my best to help the citizens of Poland Township.

For the past eight years, Trustee Ungaro, Trustee Wollet, and I have worked well together. Although we don't always agree, we always respect each other's vote and opinions. Township issues are nonpartisan. I would continue to be respectful of the newly elected trustee and would welcome any questions, opinions, and new ideas.

1. Strengthening Community Engagement I believe effective leadership begins with listening. My goal is to improve communication between the township and its residents—whether through clearer updates, open forums, or more accessible public records. When people are informed and involved, better decisions follow. 2. Responsible Stewardship of Township Resources I’m committed to ensuring that our township operates efficiently and responsibly. That means reviewing budgets, contracts, and infrastructure needs with a practical eye—always asking, “Is this the best use of our resources?” My focus will be on long-term planning that benefits the entire community.

I’ll bring a structured, problem-solving approach to every issue, drawing on decades of experience in business and leadership. I’ll collaborate with fellow trustees, listen to residents, and focus on practical steps that move us forward—with transparency, integrity, and a commitment to what’s best for Poland Township.

Representing my neighbors. Responsibly operating the needs of the Township.

Being available, listening, educating myself on operations, and remaining focused on prioritized needs.