Education
Chardon High School and BA Walsh University, Accounting and Finance
Experience
Currently serving my 20th year as Munson Township trustee. Professionally employed by Progressive Insurance bringing a strong financial background for Munson township.
Volunteer/Community Service
Served on the Munson Park Board, the Munson Zoning Commission, and various non-profit boards currently Next Step, Ravenwood and The Foundation for Geauga Parks.
The role of this office is to help people. This is a great passion of mine. I enjoy helping people and have held many positions in various nonprofit agencies which have given me the opportunity to serve. I participate in volunteer projects and seek to help others. This, along with being a lifelong resident and participating in most township meetings since 1995, show my commitment and dedication to the Township.
I would say that change and the unknown are the biggest challenges that are facing the township today. Munson is a stable community but the proposed changes at the state level will impact Munson and all other communities. The challenge of enhancing and expanding services provided to the residents continue to grow. Financial assistance from the state has been severely cut over the past few years. This hinders the process of making more services available. The township continues to look for outside funding which will allow us to expand services at little cost to the residents of the township.
Munson is a typical bedroom community. We as a community need to assure that we will be able to continue that path. We constantly have worked to improve our zoning and services to expand the quality of life in the township. This is an area that we need to maintain so that the community will flourish in the future.
Secondly maintain the trust that the residences of Munson have in the township, Munson is a great place to live and there are many exciting improvements that we look forward to exploring and possibly implementing. I would appreciate the opportunity to continue working and helping the residents of Munson.
We are doing many things to ensure our residents are informed including updating the township's webpage and continuing the township's newsletter. We are always investigating new ways to reach out and interact with the citizens of Munson Township.
Education
Wilmington College
Experience
12 years Munson Township Trustee
Volunteer/Community Service
Rotary Club of Chardon member, past Board member and President. Meals on Wheels. Geauga County Fair Board Director. Geauga County Planning Commission. Kent State Geauga Advisory.
The role of this office is to maintain road infrastructure, zoning oversight, public safety via fire and EMS protection and fiscal stewardship.
As I’ve lived in Munson Township almost my entire life, I understand its values, its history, and the needs of its residents.
With my 12 years of township leadership and integrity, as well as my volunteer work, professional work experience, and civic engagement, I’ve lead with transparency, listened actively, and made decisions based on what’s best for Munson—not personal gain.
I believe in preserving Munson’s rural charm while embracing smart growth. I’ll advocate for responsible zoning, improved infrastructure, and enhanced public services that reflect our evolving needs.
Our biggest financial challenge is staying ahead of the community's financial needs. Currently, we are financially sound with proper cash carry-overs because of proper planning and budgeting, However, we have to keep up with the changing times. We have a 5 year road paving plan to continue paving our township roads. Our Fire department is fully funded thanks to our Munson residents. So staying ahead of the ever changing economic conditions is our biggest challenge. We also need to work with the state and find a better way to pay for our services. Whether it's an income tax or sales tax. we can not continue to supply the services that we provide solely with property taxes.
A little bit of a challenge is to help keep everyone active. As we get older, health is everything. So we added a pickleball court, a disc golf course and a new fishing pier. It's great seeing people use the facilities that we do offer, especially young students playing pickleball. So "Come Alive Outside' is still a challenge and a goal of mine; to increase our park facilities to allow everyone an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
Continued accessibility. My cell phone is listed on the Townships website along with my email address. I am available 24/7 so i can continue to keep the residence informed on any questions or concerns they may have. As chairman, at all our Trustee meetings, I have continued to have 'Public Comment' on the agenda twice. Once at the beginning and again at the end of the meeting. We do this, so if your question was not addressed during the meeting, you have a second opportunity to ask a question to stay informed. We are currently upgrading the townships website along with soliciting bids for a citizen notification software.
Education
BBA Accounting from Cleveland State University
Experience
13 years federal government auditing and compliance, plus 10 years of general accounting for small and medium sized businesses.
Volunteer/Community Service
Volunteer photography at non-profit events
Township trustees manage public finances by approving budgets and expenditures, and oversee township services such as roads, fire departments, local parks, and cemeteries, while ensuring compliance with legal and ethical responsibilities and keeping in mind the concerns and interests of the residents of the township.
My years of federal government auditing and public accounting provide me with a good mix of experience in dealing with these topics as well as working together with people from a variety of backgrounds.
I think the challenge is ensuring that the funds collected are used in such a way to meet the needs of the community in the most effective way, while providing maximum benefit to the residents of the township.
From the discussions I have had with residents, several have expressed concerns about maintaining the rural aesthetic that drew people to Munson Township and made it a desirable place to live as well as raise a family. I would want to make sure that when changes are presented, they are thoroughly researched and impacts are addressed before implementing. This includes listening to and addressing concerns raised by the residents of the township.
I would like to make sure that more information is readily available on the Township Website. I will be available to listen to the residents’ concerns and want to ensure that they feel included in the decision making process.
