Bruce Abens, candidate for North Ridgeville Ward 3

Name: Bruce F. Abens

Political party: Republican

Office sought: North Ridgeville Ward 3

Age: 63

Place of birth: Cleveland

Address: 9373 Kenmore Way

Length of residence in that community: 6 Years

Twitter: n/a

Facebook: n/a

Website: n/a

Occupation: Sales Rep

Employer: Sommer's Mobile Leasing, Inc

Elected office experience: None

Non-elected office experience: 

• VP Braemore Home Owners Assoc
• Scout Leader in various capacities over 26 years both on local level and district

Education:

• Parma Sr HS
• Cleveland State University w/BA in Political Science
• Wood Badge C21-98

Marital status: Married 42 Yrs Maryann

Children: 3 sons/2 daughters-in-law/4 grand children

Organizations: Scouting for 26 Years
 
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) Halt the rise in taxes
2) Solve flooding in NR
3) Improve commercial development

The City needs to be more proactive with recruiting the larger commercial developments. By encouraging commercial development NR would improve its tax base thereby providing the city w/necessary funds to halt the rise in taxes by spreading the cost of operating the City over a larger base.

There is no one answer to solving the flooding. It will necessitate a multi prong attack. From upgrading the present sewer system to installing retention/detention basins to making sure downspouts are not connected into the sanitary system to even encouraging rain barrels. The excess storm water needs to exit the city or be held in areas for later dispersal. It is a problem that will need everyone's efforts.

Whether for past accomplishments or future goals, why should voters elect you?
While it is true I'm not a long term NR resident, I have walked the entire ward. I have heard the concerns and the pride of being a NR resident. I brought no preconceived ideas or notions. I listened and discovered everyone wants what is best for the City. So do I.

I have come from communities who have made mistakes that jeopardize their future. I want to help NR avoid those mistakes and provide a solid future for this generation and the generations to come.