VOTE411 Voter Guide

I am uniquely qualified because serving people is my passion. I have dedicated my life to aiding this community through seeking resolution to public schools, neighborhoods, and community concerns. I would work fulltime for my constituents this would not be a part-time job to me or secondary income. I am committed to be accountable to our residents with regular district hours and represent them and promote their best interest. My public policy analyst experience and fiscal planning background position me as qualified to best address many issues and challenges within our beloved county.

One of the top current issues facing Summit County residents is the of acquisition of Summa Health a new business venture owned by venture capital firm General Catalyst. We want to be assured that Summit County residents health care is preserved and accessibility. We should all be watching and seeking answers for the preservation of health care. Summa Health is one of the largest employers this would have major effect on are local economy. Secondly, from the State of Summit County address October 2023 Ilene Shapiro, County Executive shared older adults growing population expected to grow by 30% by 2030. I would support special programming or service s designated to senior citizens. In addition to supporting youth programs & workforce development. Lastly, I would priorities support to assisting small business owners and entrepreneurs.

The county can be a safety net for residents if the acquisition affects the closing of local clinics. However, the Summa Health announcement assured Summit County residents that all services and employees would remain intact. Depending on committee assignments with council I will navigate to create partnerships for older adults and youth programs. There is currently a program where employers adopted local schools. I would like to advocate for this program to have increased financial support from County to help the youth with high demand career paths such artificial intelligence. I would also request for budget allocations age bracket 5 years to pre-teen for Summit County programming. This budget allocation is now necessary due to the affects of COVID, lack of social skills, social media and isolation that has affected this age group.

I am the best candidate because of my deep-rooted connection to our community and my diverse professional experience. My background as an attorney, nurse, global business executive and business owner has given me a broad perspective on the needs of our community. Endorsed by respected leaders, I am committed to connecting our county and its' resources to our community, families, and businesses.

My primary focus will be on: supporting families, small businesses, and working with public health and safety services to ensure resources that flow through the county are connecting to our district. These areas are crucial for the overall well-being and growth of our community and I am committed to addressing them.

I plan to work collaboratively with Summit County Council members, citizens in District 5 and business leaders. My strategies include securing necessary resources for District 5, advocating for policies that support our district, and fostering community partnerships to create a safer, more prosperous, and healthier environment for all our residents in District 5.

I have a well-documented history of community service in District 5. I know and understand the needs of my constituents. I'm an independent thinker whose only desire is to advocate on behalf of the voters. I am a man of my word -- and that defines my political ambitions and purpose. The job county council isn't a stepping-stone position for me. I'm not seeking a greater political ambition other than doing all I humanly can to become a booming voice of optimism and a messenger for those in District 5 who are generally powerless to make demands of a county government that has a pattern of asking a great deal from taxpayers without offering the opportunity to control their lives and seize control of their communities that are sometimes forgotten or overlooked by politicians burdened by ambitions, rendering them vulnerable to ignoring the needs of people they represent. It's my mission to empower ALL District 5 residents. I will work hard for the people who entrust me with their votes.

Property taxes -- The hard truth is that few voters can reasonable afford the inevitable property and assessment tax hikes. Some families -- both low-income and middle income -- are stressed to keep their homes. At the minimum, many families are left with hard spending choices that often adversely affect their them. Some families, for instance, can't possibly afford to send their children to college because the county hasn't found more creative ways to offset perpetual spending increases that benefit only government contractors; not taxpayers Public safety -- The Sheriff's office should have a greater responsibility of making District 5 citizens feel safe. County law enforcement should be reaching out to development relations more than just in the fringes. Voter Awareness -- Simply voters need to be educated in what county government can do for them. Equitable representation in Summit County -- The racial disparity on council is the elephant in the room no one seems to recognize.

Community engagement -- No council member should conduct business without gauging the needs of the District. The goal is to have citizens of District 5 remain engage with the purpose of assuring their needs are addressed. Consensus building among council members -- While I am an independent thinker, I am also reasonable and realistic. It will difficult to achieve the goals of my constituents with working with the members of council, who have similar commitments to work on behalf of their district. I don't mind compromise, but I will not compromise the desires of those in Districty 5.