VOTE411 Voter Guide

During my 8 years as Mayor of the Village of Lakemore, I forged relationships with the County of Summit that brought new resources into our community to benefit residents and businesses. I collaborated with County officials to improve infrastructure, build and maintain roads, and improve neighborhoods, all while also working to bring us out of fiscal emergency ahead of schedule. I also worked with the County to explore new uses for the former Edwin Shaw hospital. Together, we engaged groups working to confront addiction to understand the needs and potential solutions for one of the most pressing public health challenges our community currently faces. Now the facility has found new life as an addiction recovery center, supporting our community just as it did for tuberculosis patients in 1915. As Councilman for District 8, my experience working with the County of Summit and building relationships with County officials would directly benefit each of the communities I would represent.

Summit County has some of the best quality of life in the State of Ohio, but we’re not without our challenges. As County Councilman, I would strive to keep our County strong, starting by supporting success at the municipal and township level. Each of the five communities that comprise District 8 – Coventry, Green, Lakemore, Mogadore and Springfield – are unique in their composition and have individualized needs and opportunities for growth. For example, while the City of Green is focused on continued business development and growth, Springfield and Lakemore are grappling with issues affecting Springfield Lake. As Councilman, I will work with key leaders and stakeholders to identify priorities for each area of District 8 and bring the resources of the County to bear to continue to improve our whole community, just as I was able to as Mayor of the Village of Lakemore.

I feel strongly that the duty of an elected official is to clearly understand the needs of his or her constituents and commit to focusing on the issues that matter to the community. I will strive to do just that as Councilman for Summit County’s District 8, just as I did as the Mayor of Lakemore. Through public meetings, engaging neighborhood associations, working with local news outlets, and leveraging the networks that I have built during my career, the citizens of District 8 will have a direct line to express their opinions and concerns. That clear understanding can then be a catalyst to bring together people and resources (including funding) to solve the big problems that we can’t solve individually.

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As a retired firefighter/paramedic, I've dedicated my life to serving our community with both courage and compassion. My journey didn't stop there; I pursued a law degree as an adult, furthering my commitment to understanding and addressing our community's legal and safety needs. Serving on the Green City Council, I earned a reputation as a fiscal watchdog, vigilantly protecting our city's resources and ensuring taxpayer money was spent wisely. My personal experience living on a fixed income has deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by seniors and those on fixed incomes. I pledge to bring this blend of service, fiscal responsibility, and empathetic leadership to the Summit County Council, focusing on not raising taxes and reducing the tax burden on our most vulnerable citizens. My diverse background and proven track record make me the best candidate to represent the interests and well-being of all residents in our district.

My top priorities in office will revolve around Safety and fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and supporting our seniors. First, I will closely scrutinize the budget to ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently, aiming to reduce unnecessary spending without compromising on essential services. My goal is to find innovative ways to lower the tax burden on those with fixed incomes, making our community more affordable for seniors and vulnerable populations. I also plan to enhance community engagement by establishing regular communication channels for residents to express their concerns and contribute to decision-making processes. By focusing on these priorities, I aim to create a more inclusive, economically sustainable, and responsive government that serves the needs of all its residents.

To accomplish my priorities, I will leverage a multi-faceted strategy focused on efficiency, collaboration, and innovation. For fiscal responsibility, I plan to conduct thorough audits of current expenditures, identifying areas for cost savings and reallocating funds to high-impact projects, especially those benefiting seniors and individuals on fixed incomes. To foster community engagement, I will implement regular town hall meetings, both in-person and virtual, to ensure broad accessibility. For reducing tax burdens, I will explore innovative funding mechanisms, such as grants and public-private partnerships, to lessen the financial load on our taxpayers. By combining these strategies, I aim to create a more accountable, transparent, and responsive council that directly addresses the needs and concerns of our community.