Education
Kent State University, Bachelor's in Finance
Experience
Russell Township Park District 3 years, Township Trustee since February 2025, employment: Ops Section Manager at KeyBank for Common & Collective Funds
Volunteer/Community Service
Knights of Columbus at Communion of Saints Parish
The role is for someone who is solutions oriented and research focused. A trustee takes on three functions from my perspective: directing residents to proper channels, constructing a tax payer friendly budget and administration, and spending time with our road, police, fire, and other departments to best learn how to address their evolving needs. As trustee, I make it a chore to always be researching into resident inquiries and I am a familiar face in all of our department buildings as I work with the heads to discuss forecasting out evolving capital and staffing needs, and how to do it in a taxpayer conscious way. With an accounting background, I believe I do a good job working with our departments to ask the right questions for taxpayers.
The biggest fiscal challenge going forward is best use of our general fund, also known as inside millage. Inside millage, unlike levies, does not allow voter approval for increases or decreases. With property values rising and no substantial property tax reform currently passing, it is important for the trustees to use unvoted millage to consider levy relief and helping departments meet cash reserves when possible. Inside millage is the biggest, unvoted fiscal and taxing issue facing the township. Electing a trustee who is mindful to considering levy tax relief and extending department longevity with inside millage is essential. In my first year as trustee now, we've accomplished some of these tasks for our 2026 budget.
For me, it is all about our tax dollars and preserving Russell as the quote "green oasis". If nothing else, smart use of our general fund cannot be stated enough. Russell is a safe community and has an admirable police department, however crime exists and is evolving. Refilling a detective's position to keep our officers out patrolling and present is a deterrent. When it comes to zoning, the verdict is out that residents overwhelming want to retain our large lot zoning, and low commercial development which I stand by. Maintaining the "tunnel of green" drives and conservation mindset is a unique feature to Russell that cannot be under appreciated and having served on our twp's park district, I support our passive and green spaces.
In order to keep residents informed, I will do what I have been doing since I was sworn in in February. Firstly, is staying in communication with residents from contact to solutions to issues they bring to me. I regularly make my rounds and meet with department heads to follow up with resident inquiries. I find simply introducing myself to people at their door, while pumping gas, or catching them taking care of the garden and asking them if there is something on their mind is the best way to discover issues, and answer questions to what people read in the newspapers. With the new meeting space, residents will soon be able to see live streams of the meetings, once the tech is installed and ready.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Radio/TV/Film, Master of Business of Administration, and Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
Experience
I’m a mental health counselor at MetroHealth, storyteller, and advocate with a passion for intentional communication and community care, with 30+ years of experience in the private and public sectors.
Volunteer/Community Service
Volunteer Firefighter and past board member at the St. Paul Blvd. Fire Department in Irondequoit, NY. and I was a USA Hockey, College, and High School referee for 25 seasons..
The role of a Township Trustee in Russell is, above all, to keep Russell Township, Russell Township. Trustees preserve the character of our community by overseeing roads, drainage systems, and the conservation of parks and green spaces. They ensure public safety by supporting fire, EMT, and law enforcement services with proper funding, training, retention, and strong mutual-aid partnerships. Trustees also provide careful budgeting and financial oversight so taxpayer dollars are used wisely and never wasted.
The biggest fiscal challenge facing Russell Township is maintaining quality services with a limited property tax base. With rising costs for roads, safety, and operations, every dollar must be used wisely while keeping taxes reasonable and preserving our rural character. I support working with the state government to double the Homestead Tax Credit and raise income limits so more seniors qualify, helping them age in place without being taxed out of their homes. Careful budgeting, protecting taxpayer dollars, and advocating for residents are how we will keep Russell Township, Russell Township.
Through conversations with residents, I’ve heard clear concerns that need attention. Vacant and neglected homes create safety risks and lower property values, so stronger enforcement and partnerships are needed. Residents also want better recycling—whether through an improved Recycling Center or exploring at-home garbage and recycling pick-up. Finally, commercial light pollution affects both safety and rural character, and I support practical solutions to reduce glare while keeping our community secure. Addressing these challenges will help us keep Russell Township, Russell Township.
I support regularly scheduled town halls where township leaders actively listen to the voices of residents. I will ensure residents are informed and engaged by keeping the township website updated with meeting agendas, minutes, budgets, and project updates. I also support using email newsletters and social media for timely communication. To make participation easier, I would advocate for live-streaming meetings, offering Q&A sessions, and using surveys to gather input before decisions are made. Being present at community events and providing regular progress reports will help build trust and ensure residents know their voices are heard. These efforts reflect my commitment to transparency, accessibility, and meaningful civic engagement.
Education
High School
Experience
Tool and Die Maker, Plumber
Volunteer/Community Service
Rescue Village
The role of Trustee is to attend to residents' concerns and be responsible for management of the township assets (such as roads, buildings and equipment), and review and vote on policy, budgets and zoning. Having owned my own plumbing business for 17 years, I've developed the communication, analytical and practical skills necessary to be an effective trustee.
I feel that there is inevitable pressure between balancing the budget and maintaining and improving essential services, so care must be given to avoid any unnecessary spending.
Many of our senior citizens need help with basic tasks, such as light yard work, moving something heavy, taking out the trash, etc. My vision is to connect our young residents with our seniors in a mutually beneficial program that would involve light tasks performed for our seniors by our young residents in exchange for community service credit and post-secondary education or trade school scholarship. This program will provide a valuable resource to our seniors, giving them help when they need it.
I believe there are many ways for residents to engage with local government. One of those ways is accessing the township website for minutes of trustee meetings. I also support the fact that all township trustees and department heads have contact info printed on the township website.
Education
BA from John Carroll University/ JD from Cleveland State College of Law
Experience
McDonald Hopkins, 2023- Present (Member/ Partner)/ Flannery Georgalis, 2021-2023 (Administrative Partner)/ McGlinchey Stafford, PLLC October 2013- 2021: (Partner)/ Councilman for South Russell Village/ Committee member for Parks, Building/ Zoning, Finance
Volunteer/Community Service
Officer in the United States Army Reserves, 475 QMG/ Scoutmaster for Boys Scout of America Troop 241
Community and service are important to me and that is why I am interested in becoming a Russell Township Trustee. What I most enjoy about local politics is the fact that it is not about being political, it is about helping your fellow residents in their day-to-day lives. There are a few other positions in government that have such a direct impact on the community because positions such as Trustee directly touch your friends and neighbors in the community. As a Trustee you help to facilitate issues of safety, including police and fire response, you help to manage roads and drainage, and you are responsible for creating a sense of community. If done properly a trustee's goal is to help residents live better lives.
The greatest fiscal challenge for Russell Township is balancing the increasing desire for public safety funding with residents' high tax burden. As many of us are aware, the township recently faced opposition from the Geauga County Budget Commission over a proposed police levy, highlighting the difficulty in securing new revenue streams from taxpayers who already shoulder a high tax burden. It is important to look for alternative means of funding before going to the taxpayers for additional funds. Our elected officials should be asking these questions and exploring how to make our current budget meet our current needs while planning for the future.
We moved to Russell for several reasons, the quality of the schools, the rural landscape, large lots, its safety services, including fire and police, and the hometown feel which is key to keeping Russell Township a hidden gem. As communities grow and more families learn about the benefits of Russell Township, I believe it is imperative to work together with the other trustees in order to maintain the rural feel and bedroom community identity of Russell Township without the need to over commercialize it.
I believe that ensuring effective information distribution involves using a multi-channel approach that combines traditional outreach with modern digital tools to reach all segments of the community. This would include the use of the Russell Township government website, email newsletter and good old fashion face to face discussion with your friends and neighbors.
Education
Miami University BS Finance and Economics , University of Toledo MBA Finance
Experience
Commercial and Investment Banking
Volunteer/Community Service
Ronald McDonald House - Cleveland and Columbus past Presidents
Manage the affairs of Russell Township
I will bring a fresh, energetic approach coupled with strong leadership and financial management skills and experience to the position.
The challenge is always to effectively and prudently manage the resources provided to create the greatest benefit for the residents of the Township. However, limited financial information is available making it difficult for residents to be well informed of the fiscal challenges and decisions. I will work to improve fiscal communication, transparency and accountability of the office.
Communication, transparency and accountability.
Safety and specifically initiate a review of the speed limits on Rts 87 and 306 in the community.
Improve the beauty and tranquility of the community.
Review zoning and planning to make Russell more attractive with a focus on maintaining a rural environment.
Publish a monthly or quarterly newsletter.
Communicate the agenda for Board of Trustee meetings in advance.
Improve the responsiveness of the office to questions and concerns expressed by residents.
Publish direct email addresses for each Trustee.
Education
BSCE with Honors Worcester Polytechnic Institute; MSCE Cleveland State; continuing annual education required by Professional Engineering renewals
Experience
Registered Professional Engineer with 47 years experience in management of large engineering and construction projects, directly responsible for applying professional management skills to maintain budget, safety, quality and schedule.
Volunteer/Community Service
Current Chairman of Russell Zoning Commission; participant in Russell Fire Department Strategic Planning Workshop; attending Russell Police Citizens Academy
Trustees are representatives of Russell residents, responsible for Township services of Fire, Police, Road, parks, and cemeteries. Trustees must evaluate competing requests against available funding, or present the need for tax levies. As a professional engineer and project executive I have personally managed large construction projects utilizing professional management skills to ensure project success. I will apply this experience and management skills to Township issues. Additionally I am currently Chairman of the Russell Zoning Commission providing me with knowledge of and interactions with Township and county departments and procedures. Zoning is the key of our rural lifestlye, and my knowledge of zoning will be an asset as trustee.
Russell’s fiscal challenges mirror those of our residents: inflationary costs and mandates from state and county authorities, all while incomes remain fixed. Currently the largest and most immediate fiscal challenge for the Township is the Police Department levy request. Residents have strongly expressed their preference for high quality Police, Fire, and Road services, and all Township departments have managed their budgets prudently, including seeking grants, but additional funding for Police is now being requested. Residents, myself included, must evaluate our preference for excellence in Township Police services with the impact of increased taxes, and provide direction on the levy by voting on November 4th.
Preserving Russell’s rural character will be my priority as Trustee. Existing zoning protects our green spaces, and the zoning must be enforced. Short term rentals including Airbnb have resulted in complaints and should be controlled in Russell.
Our recycling center, though valued and successful, faces challenges from improper dumping and litter. Continued policy support and operational improvements will keep the facility clean and effective.
Russell’s parks and recreation facilities lag those of neighboring communities, and are divided into two park districts. Reorganization and improved coordination with Geauga County can provide improved parks with minimal costs to the Township. Proposed improvements include pickleball courts.
I propose improvements to the Township website to provide timely and useful information including upcoming road construction, links to fire, road, and police sites, contact info for Township, and notices from Fairmount Center, Rescue Village etc.
A formal welcome program for new residents should be developed with support by Realtors who can provide notice of home sales.
I propose a Community Day for the Township, with all departments including Trustees in a open forum for discussions and fun. We will request Geauga County attendance to address issues of septic systems, real estate taxes, and other county programs.
Many of the HOA’s in Russell meet regularly. I propose attendance by a Trustee for discussion of concerns and ideas.
