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Eastside Voters' Guide
Reynoldsburg School Board
(3 to be elected)
G. Daryl Albrecht
Address: 8095 Reynoldswood Drive, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Occupation: Principal Consultant
Employer: ICS
Education, military and/or political experience: 1988 graduate of Whitehall Yearling High School and Eastland Career Center - Information Services.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
Communication - modern tools/culture
Honesty - greater openness and trust
Initiative - drive valued change
Leadership - business acumen providing confidence in our direction
Dedication - improving the level of education
Respect - develop a district to be proud of
Engagement - visible, responsive and connected to the community
New Ideas - embrace change and consistently self-challenging
Kristin Bryant
Address: 1900 Baldwin Road, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Occupation: Lawyer
Employer: Bryant Law Offices, LLC
Education, military and/or political experience: West Virginia University - Regents Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music Education, University of Oklahoma, Capital University - Juris Doctor.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
I would like to find a more sustainable means to fund our school district that equitably divides the financial obligations to do so among property owners and renters.
Ryan Brzezinski
Address: 8451 Priestley Drive, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Occupation: Lieutenant
Employer: Columbus Division of Fire
Education, military and/or political experience: 1987 graduate of Reynoldsburg High School, served as PTO president for Taylor Road Elementary for three years, served on two bond campaigns and two levy campaigns, served on the superintendent's advisory committee.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
My main goal is transparency. We will accomplish this with better communication. I want to see more accountability. I want the board to be proactive, not reactive. I want to be the voice of the community.
Daniel W. Hedrick
Address: 514 Hawthorne Place, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Candidate did not submit questionnaire.
Cheryl Max
Address: 1405 Haft Road, Apt. A6, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Candidate did not submit questionnaire.
Jim Slonaker
Address: 565 Bellow Park Court, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Occupation: Geographic Information System (G.I.S.) Specialist
Employer: Columbia Gas of Ohio, Inc.
Education, military and/or political experience: Four years in the U.S. Air Force, six years in the Ohio National Guard, attended and graduated from Reynoldsburg High School, attended Franklin University, certifications from Penn State University, four years on Reynoldsburg City School Board.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
1. Continue our excellent rating on the state report card.
2. Follow through on the STEM initiative to bring our students to the forefront of educational excellence.
3. Continue working with the community, employees and administration to better improve our lines of communication.
Andrew J. Swope
Address: 1966 Sherring Court, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Occupation: Certified Public Accountant
Employer: Salisbury and Swope
Education, military and/or political experience: Member of the Reynoldsburg Board of Education (1999-2009), graduate of Otterbein College.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
See the building projects currently under way in the district completed. In addition, I would like the opportunity to continue to help guide the district in the responsible us3e of the taxpayer's money in these tough economic times, while continuing to provide the excellent education Reynoldsburg has come to expect.
Elaine Tornero
Address: 7716 Critwell Court, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Occupation: Homemaker
Education, military and/or political experience: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics - Kent State University
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
I will represent those in Reynoldsburg who care about the school system and its students, but are taxpayers who want their money spent wisely. I voted against the levy in May and will not support the levy in November. I will bring common sense, honesty and openness to the board.
Reynoldsburg City Council
(3 to be elected)
Nathan Burd
Address: 1566 Burkey Court, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Occupation: Executive Director and Co-Owner
Employer: Franklin County Republican Party, FlyComm, Inc.
Education, military and/or political experience: Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Currently pursuing a master's degree in Management/Organizational Leadership; The Ohio State University, 1996 - 2000, B.A. Political Science, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences; Chairman of the 2007 Reynoldsburg Charter Review Commission; Elected Member of the Franklin County Republican Central Committee, 2006 - 2007.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
We must make sure the city adds new jobs by pursuing creative opportunities for economic and business development. Regarding spending, we should exercise fiscal discipline and respect the taxpayers. I'll support efforts that will increase safety in all neighborhoods and I'll encourage city government to be responsive to our residents.
Barth R. Cotner
Address: 1439 Jackson St., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Occupation: Funeral Director
Employer: Cotner Funeral Home
Education, military and/or political experience: I have a bachelor's degree in Mortuary Science. I was appointed to fill a vacated position on City Council Feb. 1, 2009 and have been serving in that capacity since.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
A lifelong Reynoldsburg resident I will protect the image and worth of Reynoldsburg, preserve our identity as a city that values respect and tradition, and promote responsible growth that will provide an excellent quality of life. I will work to keep Reynoldsburg a community of which we can be proud.
Chris Long
Address: 1675 Haft Drive, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Occupation: Asst VP Finance
Employer: iQor
Education, military and/or political experience: Reynoldsburg High School - 1976, Eastland JVC - 1976, University of Chicago - Air Force Extension Program/General Studies, U.S. Air Force - SSgt Security Police 1976 to 1981, Reynoldsburg Board of Zoning and Building Appeals Vice Chairman (term expires Jan. 14, 2012), Reynoldsburg Republican Club Treasurer - 2009, Membership Committee Member / Active Volunteer - 2008, Reynoldsburg Community Association Board of Directors - 2009 and Committee Member / Active Volunteer - 2008, Reynoldsburg Festivals Inc. Board of Directors - 2009.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
I'd like to work toward restoring a sense of pride in our neighborhoods. I believe very strongly in community involvement. And that from the bench is an ineffective place for an elected official to serve his people. People who take pride in their neighborhoods, take care of their neighborhoods.
Cornelius McGrady, III
Address: 8675 Kingsley Drive, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Occupation: Retired
Employer: State of Ohio, U.S. Military
Education, military and/or political experience: I am a retired internal auditor from the State of Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. I have a year of college with experience in Medicaid Services, Court Mediation, Labor Relations, Labor Arbitration and contract negotiations between Ohio Civil Service Employee's Association Local 11 and the state of Ohio Auditor's Office and Treasurer's Office. I have 30 plus years in the U.S. Army Reserves and currently hold the rank of Master Sergeant within the Military Police Corps.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
Maintain and improve the needs of our city by (1) ensuring safe and secure neighborhoods to raise our families and protect our children and seniors, (2) increasing police force to provide the required security for our city, (3) providing additional serivces for our senior and disable population and (4) attracting new businesses.
Donna A. Shirey
Address: 1023 Lancaster Ave., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Occupation: Licensed Relationship Manager
Employer: Key Bank
Education, military and/or political experience: I am a 1981 graduate of Grove City High School. In my senior year, I started my career in banking and have pursued this for the past 27 years. I specialize in retail banking as well as investments. When elected, I completed all the courses for newly elected officials through the Ohio Municipal League in 2006. I am currently on city council as an at-large elected official. I ran for office my first time in 2005 in which I was elected the top vote getter for the council at large.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
When re-elected, I will continue to listen to the citizens, abide by the charter, look for opportunities to bring in businesses that would make a positive impact to the city, evaluate and improve the safety of our citizens and children, control spending on items that are not necessary, improve communication between council members and administration and demonstrate that regardless of being a democrat or republican, you can make a difference and have a voice that will be heard.
Pickerington Schools
(3 to be elected)
Robert Clayton Lopez
Address: 120 Urich Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147
Occupation: Attorney
Employer: R. Clayton Lopez Co., LPA
Education, military and/or political experience: B.A. Sociology and Anthropology, West Virginia University, 1996; J.D., Capital University, 1999; Pickerington School Board member since 2008
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
Continuing to strive for academic excellence while maintaining fiscal responsibility to local taxpayers, and continuing to implement new technology in the classroom.
Cathy Olshefski
Address: 12011 Sheldrake Court NW, Pickerington, OH 43147
Candidate did not submit questionnaire.
Lori Sanders
Address: 12607 Bentley Drive NW, Pickerington, OH 43147
Candidate did not submit questionnaire.
Pickerington City Council
(4 to be elected)
Cristie Hammond
Address: 540 Oak Tree Ave., Pickerington, OH 43147
Occupation: Retired
Education, military and/or political experience: Four years as member of Pickerington City Council
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
Continued improvements to the city's infrastructure - water, sewer and roads - to ensure the ability to support future development and maintain good service to the community; more economic development and a pedestrian-friendly Pickerington.
Nikki Smith
Address: 668 Isabel Court, Pickerington, OH 43147
Occupation: Human Resources
Employer: The Limited
Education, military and/or political experience: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
As a member of council, I want to bring accountability to our city's budget and reduce unnecessary spending. I would like to see open communication between the citizens of Pickerington, City Council and Violet Township. We are all in this together - making decisions that affect the future of Pickerington.
Michael Sabatino
Address: 642 Montmorency Drive S., Pickerington, OH 43147
Occupation: Independent small business owner
Employer: Coffeeman Beverages
Education, military and/or political experience: College level business management; Vietnam era veteran actively serving in the U.S. military 1967-1971, honorably discharged; served on the Olde Downtown Pickerington Village Commission, City Planning and Zoning Commission, numerous terms on the city's Safety Committee and Rules Committee and two previous terms as well as currently serving a third term on Pickerington City Council.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
I will continue to vigorously resist all unjustified tax and fee increases upon city residents, push for adequate resources for our police department to keep our residents and their property safe while maintaining our property values, always be on the lookout for and stridently resist wasteful spending on all levels.
Gavin Blair
Address: 338 Treemoss Circle, Pickerington, OH 43147
Occupation: Field Support Staff
Employer: VWB Research
Education, military and/or political experience: Pickerington High School 2003, The Ohio State University 2007, currently attending Ashland University in Columbus part-time. I worked in the Ohio Senate for State Senator Kirk Schuring for two years.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
I would control spending by cutting waste while still ensuring proper funding for safety services. I would hold the line on taxes and bring fiscal conservatism to the budget process.
Jeff Fix
Address: 950 Paisley Court, Pickerington, OH 43147
Occupation: Vice president of development, council president
Employer: Escape Enterprises, Ltd., Pickerington City Council
Education, military and/or political experience: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University, 1988; Pickerington City Council, 2005 to present; Fairfield County Republican Party Executive Committee Secretary, 2004 to present; Fairfield County Republican Party Central Committee, 2006 to present.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
To continue to balance the budget by making our government more efficient while growing our commercial tax base and cooperating with other governments to increase revenues without raising taxes. I have experience, leadership, common sense and connections; all of which have served this city well for the past four years.
Tony Barletta
Address: 671 Montmorency Drive S., Pickerington, OH 43147
Occupation: Engineer
Employer: Alcatel-Lucent
Education, military and/or political experience: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, 1984, New Jersey Institute of Technology; Ran for city council in 2007; member of Executive Committee Fairfield County Democratic Party.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
Keep the focus on fiscal responsibility. The council needs to find ways to reduce wasteful spending and provide needed services more efficiently. Pickerington needs to attract high quality commercial development for our tax base. Improve our quality of life with priorities on public safety, recreation and managing traffic flow.
Violet Township Trustees
(2 to be elected)
Terry J. Dunlap Sr.
Address: 7155 Basil Western Road, Canal Winchester, OH 43110
Occupation: Retired law enforcement officer and security specialist, current Violet Township trustee, security consultant, firearms trainer and Police Academy instructor
Employer: Violet Township
Education, military and/or political experience: High school graduate, Police Academy graduate with more than 2,000 hours advanced law enforcement and security training, trustee for 16 years, retired safety-service director for city of Pickerington.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
Maintain fiscal responsibility. Continue following a sound managed growth plan. Be proactive in attracting jobs and businesses. Expand senior services, park spaces and maintain roads for safe, close to home activities. Keep fire and EMS services strong through forward planning and fiscal conservatism. Preserve strong relations with local law enforcement.
Teresa Meno
Address: 782 N. Starr Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147
Occupation: Production planner
Employer: Victoria's Secret Production
Education, military and/or political experience: For the past 15 years, I have worked for Victoria's Secret. In my role as managing global production, I have extensive experience in budgeting, purchasing contracts, accounting and other aspects of running a successful organization. I am also the past president of the Cherry Hill Civic Association located in Pickerington.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
As the only female running for this office, along with my experience, energy and dedication to serve, I will bring much needed and refreshing representation to all.
Harry Myers Jr.
Address: 12500 Toll Gate Road, Pickerington, OH 43147
Occupation: Township Trustee
Employer: Violet Township
Education, military and/or political experience: 1967 graduate of Pickerington High School, JATC apprenticeship school completed in 1971, served the past eight years as Violet Township trustee and currently serve as the chairman.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
I will fight, in this tough economy, to maintain our sound financial position. I will make sure all residents get the services they expect and are entitled to, like our outstanding fire department. I will secure reasonable cooperative agreements, like the JEDD Template, to increase our commercial tax base.
Dean Rennell
Address: 9587 Haaf Farm Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147
Occupation: Retired
Education, military and/or political experience: High school graduate, Standard technical institute graduate
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
Maintain fiscal responsibility. Develop and maintain better communications with the residents. Enable the residents to voice their thoughts and ideas about issues relating to the township. The residents of Violet Township are the greatest asset. If elected, I will always remember, "By the voters, for the voters."
Brian S. Wisniewski
Address: 659 Theron Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147
Occupation: Senior database administrator
Employer: JPMChase
Education, military and/or political experience: Associate of Arts in Accounting from Kent State University, Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from DeVry University, six years on Pickerington City Council as a council member
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
Work on real cooperation between the Township Trustees and Pickerington City Council, not just one-time events, but real day cooperation for the benefit of all residents in our community. Work on reducing expenses by eliminating duplicate services that the city and township both perform.
Truro Township Trustees
(2 to be elected)
Dennis L. Nicodemus
Address: 1146 Carrousel Drive East, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Occupation: President
Employer: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 683
Education, military and/or political experience: 1976 Graduate of Reynoldsburg High School and Eastland Career Center; U.S. Army Veteran; I have been a Truro Township Trustee for about seven years. I am currently Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
I want to give our residents the best emergency service possible and continue to improve our response times to emergencies. This saves lives. I want to make sure that Truro Township residents' tax dollars are used wisely. They work hard for their money and expect accountability.
William L. Smith
Address: 8123 Rodebaugh Road, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Occupation: Funeral Director/Embalmer
Employer: Maeder Quint Tiberi Funeral Home
Education, military and/or political experience: Hamilton Local School district - 1976-1989, Fairfield Career Center-Business Management-1989, attended Columbus State Community College and Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science-Bachelors Degree 2006.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
My main goal is to build a new working relationship with the firefighters. One built of fairness, trust, honor, respect and integrity. If elected, I will always be there for you the voters and all of the Townships employees. While always recognizing the best interests of the tax payers first and foremost.
Barbara A. Strussion
Address: 1730 Graham Road, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Occupation: Trustee
Employer: Truro Township
Education, military and/or political experience: Bellaire High School graduate, completion of Ohio University Teachers Program, Truro Township Trustee (completing third term).
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
If re-elected Truro Trustee, I would focus on expanding programs of education and training in the newest and best procedures so our fire personnel and emergency medical services may best serve and protect Truro's residents. I will continue every effort to improve and maintain township roads and Silent Home Cemetery.
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