Election Profiles: 2015

Name: William L Gardner

Political party: Republican

Office sought: N. R. 4th Ward

Age: 68

Place of birth: Cleveland

Address: 5045 North Barton Road North Ridgeville, Ohio 44039

Length of residence in that community: 68

Twitter: none

Facebook: none

Website: electbillgardner

Occupation: Retired

Employer: Self

Elected office experience: Over 9 years North Ridgeville 4th Ward Councilman 1983-1992

Non-elected office experience:

North Ridgeville Street Superintendent 92-95
Service Director Sheffield Lake Ohio 1995-2012
Board member 3 County Integrating Committee 10 years
Board Member Ohio TACT Committee 5 Years
Board Member Lorain County General Health District 13 years
North Ridgeville Board of Flooding and Drainage 2 years

Education:

North Ridgeville High School
USAF Academy BS Eng. Mgt.
US Air Command & Staff College
US Pilot Training

Marital status: Married Teresa D. Gardner

Children: yes Megan & Katarina

Organizations:
VFW Life Member
Daedalions Life Member (see web site elect bill gardner)
N R Republican Club

Should you be elected, what are three specific areas you’d like to change, address, improve or further research, and how specifically would you go about it?:
1. Flooding and Drainage Control through a storm water utility. 2. Widening US 20, Lear Nagel and Lorain Road under the need for resident and customer service. 3.Use my 20 years as President of a Cleveland Company to attract businesses to North Ridgeville. I have been to at lease 40 trade shows and I have never not been asked to relocate my company to a new city. North Ridgeville must go to trade shows and display our advantages to Business. I have the time talent and experience to effect business climate change.

Whether for past accomplishments or future goals, why should voters elect you?
Quality comes from Experience. I was the first Road Scholar I & II in Ohio history given by Gov. Voinovich and Taft. I have widened US 6. I have formed and started the first Storm Water Utility in Lorain County which help the resident of Sheffield Lake. This included bonding the program and completing it in lest than 2 years at a cost per resident home of $4.85/month. I was President of The Cleveland Vibrator Company for over 20 years and talked to 100's of business owners, I know how to find out what owner want and need from a City and can provide the time and talent to effect business growth in North Ridgeville.
As my website electbillgardner.com says, North Ridgeville needs to develop a theme that will highlight our advantages.

Anthony Hatmaker, candidate for North Ridgeville Ward 4

Name: Anthony L. Hatmaker

Political party: Republican

Office sought: North Ridgeville City Council Ward 4

Age: 51

Place of birth: Port Clinton, Ohio

Address: 5870 Tree Moss Lane, North Ridgeville, Ohio 44039

Length of residence in that community: Over 10 Years

Twitter: None

Facebook: None

Website: hatmakerforcouncil.com

Occupation: Treasurer

Employer: Medina County Schools Educational Service Center

Elected office experience: Served as Treasurer of the City of Port Clinton from 2000 to 2004.

Non-elected office experience: Currently serving as Treasurer/CFO of a public agency. Prior to that I served ten years as North Ridgeville City Treasurer. In all, I have well over twenty-five years of financial and administrative experience in a variety of settings both in the public and private sectors. I have more than ten years experience as the lead financial person in organizations I have served.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (with an Accounting Major) from Bowling Green State University with additional course work in the areas of Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship and Human Resources.

Marital status: Single

Children: None

Organizations: Ohio Association of School Business Officials.

Should you be elected, what are three specific areas you’d like to change, address, improve or further research, and how specifically would you go about it?:
Obviously, our City has major flooding and street maintenance issues. One of our Councilmen even recently referred to the condition of some of our streets as “embarrassing”. North Ridgeville needs a well thought out capital improvement plan, one that addresses and prioritizes our flooding, street, water, sewer and facility improvements needs over the next twenty years, along with a plan to pay for these improvements. I also think one of the major issues facing the City is the lack of confidence in our current elected officials and I that believe that lack of confidence is well founded.

Whether for past accomplishments or future goals, why should voters elect you?
If you think everything is going great in North Ridgeville, and that we are being led by honorable, competent people, then you should vote for my opponent on May 5th. If however, you think this community can do better and needs to hold our elected officials accountable for their actions and decisions, I ask that you consider supporting my candidacy for City Council in the Republican Primary on May 5th.

Mitchell J. Fallis, candidate for Lorain Council at-large

Name: Mitchell J. Fallis

Political party: Democrat

Office sought: Lorain Council-at-large

Age: 60

Place of birth: Elyria OhioI elected to Loran Council-aty-large

Address: 1529 West 30th Street

Length of residence in that community: Lifetime

Twitter: N/A

Facebook: Mitchell Fallis

Website: N/A

Occupation: Chief Financial Officer

Employer: VacationLand Federal Credit Union

Elected office experience:

Lorain Board of Education from 2012 to 2015
* Vice President 2013
* Member - Business Advisory Council
* Co-Chairman of the Superintendent Search Committee
Lorain Council-at-large 2008-2011
* Chairman - Finance Committee
* Chairman - Recreation Committee
* Member - Streets and Sidewalks Committee
* Member - Police and Fire Committee
* Member - Tax Incentive Review Council
Lorain Democrat Central Committee 8-B 2009 - 2015

Non-elected office experience:

Treasurer - South Lorain Community Development Corporation
Treasurer - North Coast Community Development Corporation
Member - Elyria United Methodist Village

Education:

Baldwin Wallace Collage - MBA in Project Management
Ohio Wesleyan University - BA in Accounting and Economics
Lorain Admiral King High School Graduate
Ohio Bankers Association - Bank Leadership Institute
Ohio Society of CPA's - Leadership Institute
Leadership Lorain County Alumnus
Certified Public Accountant - Licensed in the State of Ohioi

Marital status: Married to Vivian Fallis

Children: Five Adult Step Children and nine step grandchildren

Organizations:

Member Lorain Lions Club
Member - Church on the North Coast
Member - International Business Network Group
Member - Lorain Democrat Women's Club
Member - Lorain County Certified Emergency Response Team

Should you be elected, what are three specific areas you’d like to change, address, improve or further research, and how specifically would you go about it?:
If elected, I would like to improve Lorain in the following areas:
Economic Development - Bringing in more revenue from jobs by
attracting new businesses
Keeping our Neighborhoods safe and clean
Rebuilding infrastructure - roadways, sidewalks, waterlines and parks
Economic Development
The single most important issue facing Lorain is attracting new business and job creation. Let’s look at the data. Unemployment in Lorain remains above 8 percent while the national and state unemployment is about 5.5%. Lorain needs jobs, lobs and more jobs. Elevated unemployment levels results in a smaller tax base, generating less revenue for city services.
Lorain should target four key industries for job creation: new manufacturing, advanced energy, logistics and transportation, and agriculture. These industries map to the growth sectors identified by the Ohio Department of Development as emerging Ohio industries over the next decade. By bringing in jobs, the city has its best chance to improve on all fronts. This includes generating funds for public safety and city services, as well as schools and libraries.

Keeping our Neighborhoods Safe and Clean by obtaining grants for Police and Fire services and partnering with Lorain County Metroparks to build a waterpark in Lorain and upgrade Century and Oakwood Parks.

Rebuilding Infrastructure including reducing Martin's Run flooding and continue to find new sources of funds to rebuild our roadways and waterlines.

It would be honored to work with Lorain's citizens, its administration and felloe council officials to find better ways to provide services for our residents. I would be honored to receive your vote on May 5th for the Lorain Council-at-large position.

Whether for past accomplishments or future goals, why should voters elect you?
I bring to city government a strong combination of effective council-at- large experience, financial management know how, education and credentials and a lifetime commitment to Lorain.

As the Council-at-large representative from 2008 to 2011, I was able to help secure a more solid financial future by initiated and or sponsored legislation to:
Create a rainy day cash fund,
Collect unpaid income taxes,
Create an Economic Development Fund
Build a new Westside sewer relief project and related new roadway
for over $20 million along with $6 million in Road Improvements.

As the Chief Financial Officer of VacationLand Federal Credit Union for the past four years, I helped established a good working relationship with management and the U.A.W Union local 913. We have built a strong financial plan as evidenced by increasing profits four consecutive years resulting in increased contributions to profit sharing plans.

I am a lifetime Lorain resident and a product Lorain City Schools and an Ohio licensed Certified Public Accountant for the past three decades helping boost local business growth. I desire to use the experience to help improve the financial condition of Lorain.

Mary Springowski, candidate for Lorain Council at-large

Name: Mary Springowski

Political party: Democrat

Office sought: Council At Large

Age: 49

Place of birth: Cleveland, Ohio

Address: 2122 E. Skyline Drive

Length of residence in that community: In Lorain, from 1966-1973 and then back from 1988 until present. In the 8th ward since 1996.

Twitter: www.twitter.com/maryspring

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marydonovanspringowski (personal)

Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elect-Mary-Springowski-Lorain-City-Council-at-Large/409714025858552

Occupation: Engine Assembly Technician, Back Up Group Leader, Wife and mother

Employer: Ford Motor Company and the Springowski/Donovan families.

Elected office experience: As a union member I was elected as an alternate committeeperson and UAW Constitutional Convention Delegate

Non-elected office experience:

Chairperson of Lorain/Medina County Community Based Correction Facility
UAW CAP Delegate
UAW Local 1250 CAP delegate
UAW Local 1250 Civil Rights Committee secretary
Member of Nativity BVM
24 year UAW Member
Member Knights of Columbus (aux)
Member Mexican Mutual Society
1984 Lorain International Irish Princess

Education:

Firelands High School Class of '84
Studies at Ohio State University and Lorain County Community College

Marital status: Married, husband Thomas

Children: 4 children, Kathleen (Brendan), Mary-Christina, Meaghan and Paul

Organizations:

Nativity BVM
Mexican Mutual
Knights of Columbus
UAW Local 1250
Former UAW Local 2000 member
UAW CAP

Should you be elected, what are three specific areas you’d like to change, address, improve or further research, and how specifically would you go about it?:
Greater transparency of government. Currently the vast majority of our ordinances are declared "emergencies" so as to rush them through council and prevent the public from speaking from them. It is important that we change the rules of council so that the citizens (taxpayers) are able to speak at the meetings. They have some good ideas and need to be heard. It is their money that is being spent, after all.
Greater attention to ALL of the streets in Lorain! How the streets are attended to in Lorain makes no sense! And then after they're repaved, they aren't maintained. Many streets that were recently done are already showing signs of decay for want of simple attention such as sealing segment lines with tar, etc. And then only sections are done so that you drive on a decent section for a period of time and then are forced to drive on a section that would give an Army tank trouble!
Meaningful revitalization and rejuvenation of downtown, not just the creation of an entertainment district. We have to actively court developers and cut the red tape. There are people who would like to do business in Lorain but there seems to be a "price" of doing business here. Furthermore, council, as it currently stands, seems to look for reasons why things CAN'T be done instead of looking for reasons why things CAN be done. We need to change that way of thinking. Jobs are a critical component of that revitalization. We have to make our city attractive to new businesses and development. The paradigm has shifted. Rather than a one shot or homerun industry coming here such as the shipyard, Ford or the steel mill did, we have to realize that things have changed. Our biggest employer is now Mercy Hospital followed by the Lorain City Schools. Therefore we need to capitalize on business and industry that will compliment that and provide meaningful employment for our citizens.

Whether for past accomplishments or future goals, why should voters elect you?
For the past 20 or so years, we have kept electing the same people, the same names.....and they keep doing the same things over and over. The time has come for a change. It's time for a new voice, a new name and a new face for a new Lorain! When you look at the demographics of the city, you realize even though women are in the majority in this city, we're not represented on council. I will bring fresh perspective and innovative thinking to council. I'm also not a political insider. I'm running to represent the people, not the party. I'll also be saving tax payers money as I would decline any type of medical coverage provided by the city.

Christopher Olejko, candidate for Lorain Council at-large

Name: Christopher Olejko

Political party: Democrat

Office sought: Lorain Council At Large

Age: 47

Place of birth: Lorain OH

Address: 306 Indiana Ave

Length of residence in that community: 1 yr

Twitter: chrisolejko

Facebook: Olejko for Lorain Council At Large

Website: None

Occupation: Finance Director

Employer: North Coast Auto Mall

Elected office experience: None

Non-elected office experience: Vice President Lorain High Band Boosters

Education: Ohio Dominican College -Accounting & Political Science

Marital status: Divorced

Children: 3 Blaze 16, Cain 11, Ivy 7

Organizations:

Lorain High Band Boosters
Ohio F&I Council

Should you be elected, what are three specific areas you’d like to change, address, improve or further research, and how specifically would you go about it?:
1) Transparency of Council. 80%+ of all ordinances are done by Emergency the public has no say. Also allow local TV to telecast all meetings so public can be informed.
2) Bring a whole city view into City Hall. There has been an overbundance of importance given to the development of the far westside of our city. The Eastside & South Lorain have been forgotten.
3) Increase the owner occupied homes in our city. Over 50% of the homes in our city are not lived in by the owner. We need to eliminate the "point of sale" for all owner occupied home sales. Also advertise the affordable housing in our city along with the fact EVERY school building will be State Of The Art when the new LHS is finished. Show that Lorain is a great place to for a starter home and start a family.

Whether for past accomplishments or future goals, why should voters elect you?
My goal is to change the paradigm of our city. From one that is lost in it's ways to one that is on the forefront of thinking. Be it Technology to recreation to entertainment Lorain has to regain it's place as a leader not just in Lorain County but the USA and the World. We need to work our resources to make Lorain a destination for enterprise and fun.

Joseph F. Koziura, candidate for Lorain Council at-large

Name: Joseph F Koziura

Political party: Democrat

Office sought: Council at Large

Age: 68

Place of birth: Lorain, Ohio

Address: 5308 Gargasz Drive

Length of residence in that community: 68

Twitter: No

Facebook: No

Website: No

Occupation: Councilman/Financial Advisor

Employer: CIty of Lorain/ Self-employed

Elected office experience:

1977-1983 Lorain CIty Auditor
1985-1995 Ohio House of Representatives
1996-1999 Mayor City of Lorain
2001-2010 Ohio House of Representatives
2014-present Council-at-Large

Non-elected office experience:

Chief Deputy Auditor City Of Lorain
Ohio Municipal League
Lorain County Chamber of Commerce

Education:

Admiral King High School
Lorain County Community College-Associate Business Major-accounting

Marital status: Married-Kitti-40 years

Children: Daughter-Mary

Organizations:
Amvets
VFW
IAV
National Assc. Investment Advisors

Should you be elected, what are three specific areas you’d like to change, address, improve or further research, and how specifically would you go about it?:
The City of Lorain needs to focus on continuing to create an environment that attracts employers. Government does not create jobs. New employers can mean new dollars and investment in our community. We need to strive to make sure the infrastructure is improved, along with our housing stock. The Lake and Black RIver is the future of the city. We need to work with the Port and other groups to make sure we get it right the first time.

Whether for past accomplishments or future goals, why should voters elect you?
I have delivered for the people of Lorain. I am humbled to have had the good fortune of being elected in a variety of positions. I have been an administrator and legislator. I have been in the private and public sector. I know how government works. One of the accomplishments I am proud of was changing how the Bascule Bridge is funded. Prior to my changing the law, the local taxpayers were on the hook for the payroll and maintenance of the bridge. It has saved taxpayers over 20 millions dollars and continues to every year. I urge the voters to study the candidates running. Separate the noise and the same promises that challengers always talk about.

Tim Howard, candidate for Lorain Council at-large

Name: Tim Howard

Political party: Democrat

Office sought: Council At-Large

Age: 55

Place of birth: Lorain, Ohio

Address: 1958 Oberlin Ave.

Length of residence in that community: 39 years

Twitter: N/A

Facebook: N/A

Website: N/A

Occupation: Connect Lorain County Supervisor/City Councilman

Employer: Lorain County Community College/City of Lorain

Elected office experience:

I've served for 8 years on Lorain City Council as the 3 Ward Councilman.
Served as the President of Staff Council at LCCC.
Served as President of the Ohio Staff Council for Higher Education.
Served as Vice Chairman of the African American Community Board.

Non-elected office experience:

Served on the Volunteer Action Agency Board.
Served on the Lorain Lions Board.
Served as the Chairman of the Board for Lorain County Community Action Agency.
Served as an Officer for Buckeye Lodge #68 Prince Hall Mason's.
Currently serving on Mercy Medical Regional Center Multicutural Council.

Education:

Associates degree from LCCC
Numerous certifications in IT related field.

Marital status: Married to Michelle Howard

Children: Yes, 5 children

Organizations:

American Cancer Society Board Member Volunteer
Masonic Order Buckeye Lodge #68
Lorain Lion's Club
Leadership Lorain County Alumni
Negro Business and Professional Women's Club of Lorain/Ombudsmen
NAACP Lorain
African American Spotlight Committee/2007&2015

Should you be elected, what are three specific areas you’d like to change, address, improve or further research, and how specifically would you go about it?:
Jobs - bringing jobs to Lorain by reinventing ourselves from our predominantly blue collar manufacturing industrial self into the new age
Safety - Saftey through education for the community at large. In addition, expanding block watch programs, text to tip, etc.
Infrastructure - updates to failing infastructure. ie., sewers, roads, housing.

Whether for past accomplishments or future goals, why should voters elect you?
Voters should elect me because I do this for the right reasons. My agenda is simple, I have always worked to help others with the end goal of building a better city and community. A quote that I truly believe and try to live by is that "To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity."

Daniel W. Given, candidate for Lorain Council at-large

Name: Daniel W. Given

Political party: Democrat

Office sought: Council At Large

Age: 51

Place of birth: Lorain

Address: 3945 Woodstock Drive

Length of residence in that community: 51

Twitter: N/A

Facebook: Yes

Website: N/A

Occupation: Director of Purchasing/Estimating & Design

Employer: K. Hovnanian

Elected office experience: I have held the position of Lorain's 7th ward councilman, 8th ward councilman, and Councilman at Large. I have held chairmanships of the Finance and Claims Committee, the Federal programs Committee, & the Parks and Recreation Committee. I have been a member of various other committees as well

Non-elected office experience: Experienced Purchasing professional on various companies in the North East Ohio area. Focus of career has been on cost control and budgeting

Education: Bowling Green State University- Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Procurement and Materials management

Marital status: Single

Children: Three

Organizations:

Should you be elected, what are three specific areas you’d like to change, address, improve or further research, and how specifically would you go about it?:
There are three areas of focus as a city we need to address over the next decade. These are our housing stock, our infrastructure (roads, waterlines and sewers) and our safety.

We need to address these by enforcing our building codes and addressing those property owners who have allowed their real estate to deteriorate below the acceptable levels as stated in our building codes. if we continue to allow our neighborhoods to look poorly we will not be able to market our city to those businesses and individuals who want to come here and invest.

Our infrastructure in many area of our city is in excess of 100 years old. Other areas are 35 plus years old. As our city residents age so does the core elements of our city and a continuous re-investment is needed or else it gets to the point of neglect. Over the past few decades not enough investment was made thus we are playing catch up. Now we see a need for large investments in areas that most people take for granted but are needed for a vibrant modern community

Safety speaks for itself. our world is becoming more chaotic thus the presence of police and fire are essential to maintain order. Modern policing methods and equipment are needed to be maintained to provide safe environments to our residents. Fire equipment is also in need of continuous investment to insure everyone is provided a safe community when the needs arise

Whether for past accomplishments or future goals, why should voters elect you?
I have continued to be an advocate of financial well being and long term planning for our community. Focusing on cost control and efficient spending of the tax dollars residents provide to us has allowed me to sponsor or support many long range ideas such as our rainy day funds, our health fund payment ordinances, our community development set aside funds etc. Planning for the future is essential yet it is one area elected official's do not focus on as its not glamorous or a campaign highlight. We have seen however over the past decade that when this is not performed, problems of high levels surface and are very hard to overcome

Frank DeTillio, candidate for Lorain Council at-large

Name: frank DeTillio

Political party: Democrat

Office sought: Council at Large

Age: 67

Place of birth: Lorain, Ohio

Address: 4312 kolbe rd

Length of residence in that community: 65 years

Twitter: yes

Facebook: yes

Website: frankdetillio.com

Occupation: rertired

Employer: none

Elected office experience:

2013 - 8th ward council unexpired term - City of Lorain
2015 - Council at Large unexpired term - City of Lorain

Non-elected office experience:

President Lorain County Chamber (past)
Chairman - Lorain County Workforce Investment Board (present)
Vice Chairman - Lorain County Port Authority (present)
Secretary - Workforce Institute (present)

Education:

Admiral King High School
Akron University - BFA

Marital status: Married - Rosa

Children: 0

Organizations:

Founding Member Great Lakes Innovation Development Enterprise (GLIDE)
Great Lakes Organized Labor Management Council - Board Member
South Lorain Community Development Corporation - Board Member
Growth Capital Loan Review Committee
Team NEO Management Council (Founding Member)
Team Lorain County (Founding Member)
Lorain County P-16 Council
Sacred Heart Parish Finance Committee

Should you be elected, what are three specific areas you’d like to change, address, improve or further research, and how specifically would you go about it?:
If elected I would continue to work with this administration to improve the city's ability to attract investment and continue to invest in itself, Working on the goals that the Staubuck report identified for the city will help improve the city's ability to attract investment. Investment in new employment opportunities and investment that will bring new tax dollars to the city. Also I would continue to support work on the city's infrastructure. Road repair, sewer upgrades and new water lines will provide our citizens with the quality of life that they desire.The third area of concern would be the safety forces, both Police and Fire and working to give them the equipment and technology necessary to continue to provide safe neighborhoods for the citizens of Lorain.
Whether for past accomplishments or future goals, why should voters elect you?
I would hope that the people of Lorain would look at my past experience as a collaborator, Co-Chair Lorain County Digital Taskforce, Team NEO, Team Lorain County and GLIDE; as a Leader, President of the Lorain County Chamber of Commerce for 27 yrs., Chairman Lorain County Workforce Investment Board, and Vice Chairman Lorain County Port Authority. I would also hope that they would recognize my past accomplishment and my dedication to working with others for the betterment of our community. As one of the city's Councilman I promise to continue to work to move the City of Loran forward and provide the citizens with honest, responsible representation.

Eddie C. Edwards, candidate for Lorain Council Ward 5

Name: Eddie C. Edwards

Political party: Democrat

Office sought: 5th Ward Councilman

Age: 73

Place of birth: Dyersburg, Tn.

Address: 3571 Clifton Ave.

Length of residence in that community: 53

Twitter: none

Facebook: Councilman Eddie C. Edwards

Website: none

Occupation: 5Th Ward Councilman

Employer: City of Lorain

Elected office experience:

9 Terms 5th Ward Councilman
Chairman Federal Grants Program
Vice Chairman and Committee Member (various committees)
Past: Streets & Sidewalks Chairperson (ending 2009)

Non-elected office experience:

Retired Business Owner: Edwards Trucking & Excavating (EENSC)
Past: Executive Board Member, Ohio Minority Contractors Assoc., President Lorain Chapter of the NAACP, Black Elected Democratic Coalition, Lorain Habitat for Humanity, Lorain County Office of Aging, Executive Board Member Minority Trucking and Transportation (Washington D.C.), Board of Trustees Lorain County Office of Aging, 100 Men of Lorain County.

Education:

Bruce High School Dyersburg Tn. 1962
Cleveland State University - Project Management 2 years
Lorain County JVS - Construction Management

Marital status: Widowed: Annie L. Robinson-Edwards

Children: Darnisha Hunter; Gregory Edwards

Organizations: See non-elected office experience

Should you be elected, what are three specific areas you’d like to change, address, improve or further research, and how specifically would you go about it?:
During my time on council, I have helped homeowners get access to information and resources in order to solve problems and improve their properties. I also have assisted businesses in the 5th Ward with access to the financial resources they needed to put their plans in motion. I am proud of what they have accomplished.
I have also lobbied the City to keep our streets and infrastructure up-to-date even when the City lacked focus and resources. I have been able to improve more streets and unimproved streets than any other ward in this city.
The Staubach Report gave City Council recommendations for improvements that would help retain and attract businesses and residents. With the current administration and council, we are focused on the basics of these improvements and keeping the City's budget balanced. One important recommendation was the removal of the high-tension power lines from our downtown area. I represented City Council in the initial phases of developing a plan to address this issue. I made certain that this plan would improve our downtown area, provide the demand for high current voltage to power the Republic Steele furnace to create jobs and directly impact the homeowners in that area by securing an additional $250,000 from First Energy for the resurfacing of Clifton Avenue between E.29th St. and 32nd St. - at no cost to homeowners.
Ten years ago, I lobbied the City to begin the process to acquire a self-propelled paver to provide greater flexibility when it comes to short run asphalt resurfacing. This will allow the City to provide an intermediary solution to the unimproved streets in the 5th Ward (5-C) and in other wards. This also will save money by eliminating costs and fees associated with transporting large equipment on smaller projects. Our current administration along with city council is in the final stages of purchasing a paver and I have secured a commitment from Mayor Ritenauer to address this issue that has troubled the residents in parts of the 5th Ward for many years. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I am confident that we are moving in the right direction. Our current administration is focused on rebuilding this city street by street in order to better prepare this city for a brighter future.

Whether for past accomplishments or future goals, why should voters elect you?
Throughout the years, I have fought to ensure that the people that I represent are not left behind. There are many challenges in the 5th Ward and throughout the city. We have lost revenue and resources that once enabled us to maintain the City’s infrastructure, attract and retain residents as well as incentivize business. While many of these issues were the result of a lack of focus by previous administrations, I have always remained committed to my responsibilities as a representative of the 5th Ward. I always answer my phone. I always return calls. I may not tell people what they want to hear, but I always tell the truth. Experience, Integrity, Leadership. With your continued support, I will remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that my 5th Ward Community is not left behind.

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Angel Arroyo, candidate for Lorain Council Ward 6

Name: Angel Arroyo Jr.

Political party: Democratic

Office sought: Lorain city councilman 6 Ward

Age: 32

Place of birth: Lorain, Ohio

Address: 1853 east 30th street

Length of residence in that community: 6 years in south lorain

Twitter: N/a

Facebook: Angel Arroyo Jr or elect angel arroyo for 6th war"THE NEXT CHAPTER"

Website: www.facebook.com/electangelarroyofor6thward"THENEXTchapter

Occupation: Outreach worker

Employer: Cleveland peacemakers alliance

Elected office experience: N/a

Non-elected office experience: I have been the organizer of multiple natural disaster relief campaigns, leader of multiple missing person campaigns, I have been the originator of the three-tier missing person alert system that is on the desk of the Ohio Attorney General's office, have been working with missing people homeless community and gangs across the country, on the board of the cleveland chapter guardian angels

Education: Graduated from Southview high school class of 2002 attended Zion Bible college Barrington Rhode Island

Marital status: Married Amanda Arroyo

Children: Yes

Organizations:
Cleveland guardian angels
P.a.c.e
Lorain County heroin community task force
Lorain national night out against crime committee
Lorain neighborhood watch

Should you be elected, what are three specific areas you’d like to change, address, improve or further research, and how specifically would you go about it?:
Community safety
Youth development
Community pride/development

Whether for past accomplishments or future goals, why should voters elect you?
For the past 11 years I have been committed to the community locally, state wide and across the country. I have worked with at risk youth in major cities I have worked with community development in the city of Cleveland and I have worked with local politicians unchanging guidelines for missing people safety and bring a community businesses to multiple cities. With my work I have been able to meet with city councilman, Senators, Governors, nationwide TV shows and professional athletes. It's time that the people or the six words are properly represented and I feel with my experience in the community and the connection that I have with the people there voice will be heard in City Hall and I plan to bring City Hall's voice to the people of the six Ward.

Matt Harkins, candidate for Lorain Council Ward 6

Name: Matt Harkins

Political party: Democrat

Office sought: Lorain City Council Ward 6

Age: 35

Place of birth: Elyria

Address: 2405 East @9th

Length of residence in that community: 10 years

Twitter: na

Facebook: Harkins for Ward 6

Website: na

Occupation: Retail

Employer: Lowe's

Elected office experience: This is my first time running for an elected position.

Non-elected office experience: I have served on the board of the Lake Erie Landlords Association, which has a strong presence in the city of Lorain. I am currently on the board of Habitat for Humanity.

Education: I graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in Construction Management.

Marital status: Married

Children: 6 boys

Organizations:
Lake Erie Landlord Association
Habitat for Humanity
Boy Scouts – Eagle Scout and current leader. I have been involved in scouts as a volunteer since I earned my Eagle Scout Award.

Should you be elected, what are three specific areas you’d like to change, address, improve or further research, and how specifically would you go about it?:
The three specific areas I plan to address as part of City Council are jobs, safety, and cosmetic issues. First and foremost, I am a strong advocate of bring more job opportunities into Lorain. I firmly believe promoting the use of Black River Landing is an essential part of that. The more people we bring into Lorain, the more money we will bring in to local businesses, which is enable them to grow.

Safety is also an essential area to focus on. I have been very fortunate to be able to work with the Lorain police in the past, and I look forward to more opportunities in the future. I have been endorsed by the Lorain FOP, and I plan to live up to their expectations as an advocate for Lorain.

Last but certainly not least, I want to help address the cosmetic issues of the city; roads filled with pot holes, condemned houses, abandoned buildings, etc. Lorain is a great city, and I want it to look great to visitors coming into the city. I want the people, who have made Lorain their home, to enjoy the beauty of a rejuvenated city.

Whether for past accomplishments or future goals, why should voters elect you?
Voters should elect me due to both my past accomplishments and my future goals. I have worked hard my entire life. I have gone into every task and job with the highest level of focus and dedication, and that is what I want to bring into my position on city council. Lorain is my home. I live in Lorain, I own property in Lorain, and I’m raising my family in Lorain. As a resident and father of six boys, I care deeply about the future of this city.

Monday, November 2, 2015

Results

Voter information

Lorain County

Amherst

Amherst Township

Avon

Avon Lake

Carlisle Township

Columbia Township

Elyria

Firelands School District

LaGrange

Lorain

North Ridgeville

Oberlin

Polaris Career Center

Sheffield Lake

Sheffield School District

Sheffield Township

South Amherst

Vermilion School District

Wellington

Cuyahoga County

Statewide issues

More information

Results

Voter information

Lake County

Concord Township

Eastlake

Fairport Harbor

Kirtland

Lakeline

Leroy Township

Madison Township

Madison Village

Mentor

Mentor-on-the-Lake

North Perry Village

Painesville

Painesville Township

Perry Township

Perry Village

Timberlake

Wickliffe

Willoughby

Willoughby Hills

Willowick

Geauga County

Chardon

Chardon Township

Cuyahoga County

Statewide issues

More information

Monday, May 4, 2015

Voter information

Lake County

More information

Geauga County

More information

Voter information

Lorain County

Avon

Clearview School District

Columbia School District

Elyria

Firelands School District

LaGrange

Lorain

North Ridgeville

Sheffield-Sheffield Lake School District

Wellington

More information

Cuyahoga County

Westlake

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Wednesday, April 29, 2015