William Gardner, candidate for North Ridgveille Ward 4

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."