Education
J.D., Case Western Reserve University School of Law; B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Grove City College; Jo Ann Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute
Experience
Accomplished business attorney with a background in mechanical engineering and in-depth knowledge of legal issues related to energy. Current President of the Geauga County Board of Health, where accomplishments include ending school mask mandates in the county.
Volunteer/Community Service
Children’s ministry volunteer, Fellowship City Church; District VP, Ohio Federation of Republican Women; Executive Committee, Geauga GOP; past trustee, Foundation for Geauga Parks
As Commissioner, I will defend freedoms, protect paychecks, and defeat dysfunction.
Defend freedoms: Government should safeguard life, liberty, and property. I will support law enforcement and push back on bureaucrats who try to restrict our freedoms.
Protect paychecks: Government exists to serve the people – not the other way around. In this time of record inflation, I will work to decrease taxes so residents can keep more of their hard-earned dollars.
Defeat dysfunction: FBI raids, corruption charges, and lawsuits have hindered progress, with some county officials not even on speaking terms. Geauga County needs problem-solvers, not problem-makers.
Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants; transparency is necessary for public trust. To enhance transparency, I propose the following changes to BOCC meetings:
1. Stream and record all meetings;
2. Require professional and prompt meeting minutes;
3. Designate public comment on the meeting agenda before any executive session;
4. Schedule periodic evening meetings at different locations throughout the county to allow for increased public participation;
5. Openly discuss crucial county issues, in accordance with Ohio sunshine law; and
6. Utilize social media for meeting notices, draft agendas, and visibility on key decisions.
If the EPA mandates sewers for a community, the BOCC should not blindly accept the outcome. Rather, we should collaborate with the Prosecutor’s Office and other county departments to assess if the determination is reasonable or if there is room to push back and protect residents’ rights.
Proactive regular maintenance of septic systems can prolong their useful life. The Department of Water Resources, under the BOCC, can assist homeowner education to avoid the need for mandated sewers. However, maintenance responsibilities ultimately fall on homeowners.
If the EPA does mandate sewers, and efforts to stop the mandates fail, the BOCC should strongly advocate for state funding to offset the costs.
My evaluation of the Commissioners’ Office remains ongoing; I believe it is important to “check and verify” before advocating for administrative changes. Over the last year, I have been actively attending Commissioner meetings. During that time, I’ve had many positive one-on-one meetings with county department heads, as well as business and non-profit leaders.
Importantly, my role on the Board of Health has afforded me the opportunity of having extensive interactions with the Commissioners’ Office, enabling an ongoing evaluation of conduct and capabilities. If elected, I will continue this process up until I am seated. At that time, I will not hesitate to make the necessary changes to defeat dysfunction and protect Geauga taxpayers.
As Ronald Reagan once quipped, "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the Government, and I'm here to help."
To ensure Geauga County is a desirable and affordable place to live, work, and raise a family, I will seek a restrained government with low taxes.
History shows that expensive new government programs often lead to unintended and undesirable consequences. Geauga County’s natural beauty, rural charm, and the virtue of its people are forever what will make our county desirable — not government bureaucracy.
By focusing on fiscal responsibility, we can safeguard the county's appeal and affordability.
Education
BS Math/Computer Science - University of Green Bay Wisconsin
Experience
Air Force, EDS/General Motors, Ernst & Young, Computer Task Group, aTechExec llc
Volunteer/Community Service
Geauga County Mental Health Board, Geauga County Planning Commission, Geauga West Rotary, Liberty Camp
County government powers are administrative. Commissioners can't make law or pass ordinances. The commissioner's role is fiscal. My priorities are to ensure that tax dollars are spent efficiently, reducing and eliminating waste. Moreover, to focus on ensuring government is not a barrier to business or personal liberties.
Transparency and adherence to open meeting laws is very important to me. I believe the premise of the questions is misleading and inaccurate. The commissioner's office must comply with the open meetings laws, and they have historically maintained a high standard. I would ensure that the office of the commissioners is in full compliance and is fully transparent.
There is a plan for sewer systems in communities in Ohio. It is called a 208 plan. The Geauga Water/Sewer department and the EPA work closely together and fully understand the plan. The county and the EPA understand at risk communities. Those situations are monitored, and any action has a long timeline. The Commissioners have to be careful because there are legal issues in using taxpayers' dollars to pay for homeowner's costs. Each situation is unique, and responses need to be tailored to the situation.
The BOCC administrative offices appear to be functioning well. Upon taking office I would do a complete review of office processes and procedures and make recommendations for changes.
This question infers that the county commissioners have authorities that would impact the county characteristics or culture. As was said, the county commissioners have limited authority and that is primarily fiscal. The commissioners can be fiscally responsible and ensure that county services are delivered in a professional manner. They can be advocates for the county and they can resist outside forces trying to change the county. It is important for people to understand that those with the power to impact the nature of a community resides at a local level via township and city governments. They have zoning and other authorities that do impact the nature of a community.
