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Ravenna Township Trustee {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

Townships shall have three elected trustees, serving staggered terms of four years. Two members were last elected in 2021. One member will be elected in 2023 to a term commencing 1/1/2024.NP indicates that the race is non-partisan.

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  • Candidate picture

    Kristi Blazek-Hack
    (O)

  • Candidate picture

    Vince Coia
    (O)

  • Candidate picture

    Jason Mack
    (O)

Biographical Information

1. What do you see as the most important issue facing your Township and how do you propose addressing it?

2. What are the major challenges facing your community and how do you propose addressing them?

3. What is your approach to manage potential budget cuts for your Township?

Campaign Phone Number (330)428-1745
Campaign Email trustinkristi@yahoo.com
Education Graduate of Kent State University-Bachelor of Arts- Psychology
Training & Experience I have been honored to serve on the Ravenna Township Zoning Commission for multiple years. I also work as a real estate advisor with Keller Williams Chervenic Realty, where I have been helping clients reach their goals since 2012.
Volunteer & Community Service I've been active in youth sports-coaching soccer, volunteering with the Relay for Life and within the school districts. I am looking forward to volunteering at Kent Social Services.
I want our community to be "connected." I think all sides can agree that the current climate is not what we want our children to grow up in. What connects us rather than divides us? Coming together for community events is essential. This is one reason I have volunteered so heavily for the township trunk or treat for multiple years, during my time on the Ravenna Township Zoning Commission. There is trick or treating, photos, a cookout and more all put on by people who live and work in the community. While the candy and costumes are fun, it's more than that. It's a time for everyone of all kinds to gather, get to know each other and build connections. Many local businesses, first responders, trustees and more participate, creating a sense of community and pride. I plan on continuing this tradition, as well as forming new opportunities for the community to connect. My goal is a thriving township, where families connect and live safely. A connected community is a strong community.
Many townships face the same challenge- Economic development vs. preservation. We have to keep up with rising costs, which means we need to nurture our economic development. However when we look at new business and growth, it is important to make sure the benefits are fruitful, while also being careful to preserve all the things that make Ravenna Township a beautiful place to live. We are fortunate to have small town character mixed with rural charm. My 15 years in selling and advising real estate transactions and zoning, allows me to understand the impact of growing responsibly. As trustee I would work hard to make sure the township grows in a manner that accommodates our current residents, while also attracting new families to want to thrive here.

Transparency. I want residents to understand where their money is being attributed to. When we face tough times our residents have to be confident their dollars are being used wisely. I will take extra care on my part to make sure I make myself accessible within public settings such as at coffee shops, the library etc. I will happily sit down with concerned community members and have Q & A sessions. I hope to create spaces where residents feel comfortable asking questions & feeling respected while doing so. A wise man once told me "When you have a problem bring me two solutions and we will figure it out together." We must also try to pool our resources within our own community. When budget cuts are made it's important to review current and future contracts. We have so many vital business resources in our own township and neighboring areas. Rather than cuts, there must be a way to build partnerships within. I may not have the solution immediately, but I will work tirelessly to find one.
Campaign Mailing Address 3960 Summit Rd
Ravenna, OH 44266
Campaign Phone Number 3303100703
Campaign Email vcoia625@gmail.com
Education Ravenna High School Graduate; numerous continuing education for management and township operations
Training & Experience Township Trustee since 2010; Former curriculum advisor for Maplewood Career Center in Agricultural Mechanics; Parts and Sales Manager for Coia Implements Inc for 30+ years
Volunteer & Community Service Volunteer with Raven Packs with assembly and transportation, member of Ravenna Elks and Ravenna Eagles
The most important issue facing all Townships is the possibility of losing most of our funding if the proposed constitutional amendment to eliminate property taxes would get on the ballot and pass next year. I have been talking to county and state officials who are also aware of the implications. There are discussions of possibly going back to the property valuations before they were raised and future increases would be no more than the rate of inflation. I also have been talking to residents to let them know how important it is to keep taxes in place because these taxes pay for the Fire protection services and EMS functions as well as plowing and repairing the roads.
We still see challenges with workforce availability in skilled occupations in the community. I plan to visit our high school and career center to see if new class offerings are possible and to let the students know there are jobs available right after graduation. Homelessness continues to be a challenge and we work with the local shelters to help those people in need. Food insecurity with the schools is a problem. I work hand in hand to help provide food items to help bridge the gap with students.
Working closely with the fiscal officer, we approve budgets that take the most conservative approach possible. We are cutting staff where necessary. I have also given consideration to making myself available to assist the road department with work where they may be temporarily short handed, such as brush chipping, picking up bagged leaves, or mowing and trimming at the cemetery. Should the property tax elimination or reduction take effect, I will work closely with other state and local officials to find the best way forward.
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