2023 Cuyahoga Falls Voter Guide: Meet candidates for 7 council races
Welcome to the 2023 Voter Guide produced by the League of Women Voters and Akron Beacon Journal with funding from the Knight Foundation.
This article features seven contested races for seats on Cuyahoga Falls City Council on the Nov. 7 ballot. The race for the school board is uncontested with A.J. Harris and Patty White on the ballot for two seats.
There also are countywide and state issues on the ballot.
Early voting is taking place at the Summit County Board of Elections Early Vote Center, 500 Grant St., Akron.
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Responses are not edited, vetted or corrected by the League of Women Voters or Beacon Journal to allow candidates to speak in their own words.
Interactive Voter Guide
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2023 Election: Summit County Voter Guide
Council-At-Large
Jeff Iula
Republican
Candidate did not respond
Mary F. Nichols-Rhodes
Democrat
Education: MBA, Healthcare Management Concentration, Walsh University; BA, Walsh University; LPN, W. Howard Nicol School of Practical Nursing
Training/Experience: Training: CEAL (Certified Executive of Assisted Living), NCCDP Certified Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Trainer, Certified Dementia Practitioner, Climate Reality Leadership Corps - Experience: At-Large City Council member, City Council member since 2016, Past President Cuyahoga Falls City Council, Current Chair, Council Finance Committee which oversees $244 million budget, Creator and Chair, Sustainability, Energy and Environment Committee, Past Chair Public and Industrial Improvements Committee, past dtCF Board Member, past Board Member Cuyahoga Falls Historical Society
Website: marynicholsrhodes.com
Why are you the better candidate for this position? As current At-Large City Council representative with 8 years experience as a council member, I have a proven record of providing excellent constituent services, city-wide community involvement, host regular resident meetings and an annual picnic. I fully participate in the legislative process. I am the Chair of Council Finance Committee, Creator and Chair of Sustainability, Energy, and Environment Committee, past Chair of Public and Industrial Improvements, past City Council President, and have held (and still hold) many volunteer positions on boards and commissions. I understand our city's legislative process and am an effective leader. I build relationships and collaborate, am energetic, enthusiastic, trusted, experienced, and work hard to improve the lives of others. I am honored and proud to serve the residents of Cuyahoga Falls. I am a lifelong Cuyahoga Falls resident, CFHS graduate, and am the proud mom of two CFHS graduates. I love our city!
What is your vision for economic development for your community over the next 10 years? Our city will continue to attract investment in multiple areas. Opening Front St. generated $16.3 million investment dollars and 233 jobs. I am a member of the Bailey Rd/Northmoreland and South State Rd mini-master plan Steering Committees and expect to see these areas attract new business, jobs and investment. South Front St. Streetscape improvements are underway and multiple residential units are being created downtown. The planned Gorge Dam removal, restored Boardwalk, and proposed Peddle Park will add to the growing recreation and tourism dollars our city currently attracts. Our neighborhoods will receive increased infrastructure improvements. As a member of the Welcoming Workforce Coalition, I know our city is addressing the current and future shortage of workers and is positioning CF as an attractive place for workers and businesses, long into the future. I envision sustainable and energy saving buildings and investments as well. The future of our city is thriving and bright.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? Our aging housing stock brings opportunity to renovate in sustainable/energy saving ways which I would like to see incentivized. Overall increased energy needs can be addressed by increasing residential and commercial solar generation and adding battery storage to our Electric Dept. which will offset the city's need to purchase excess electricity at peak rates which will in turn lower energy costs to the whole city. I initiated our city joining Power a Clean Future Ohio, a non-profit which offers free resources to help reduce energy use in our city. We also have a variety of animal control issues. I have been part of discussions with multiple departments in the city to find solutions; as a city council member I support adding the necessary resources to provide adequate services for our residents.
Ward 1 Council
Theresa Chmielewski
Republican
Candidate did not respond
Rachel Loza
Democrat
Education: B.A. in Sociology from Syracuse University
Training/Experience: Current Ward Councilperson since August 2020
Website: rachelloza.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I'm originally from a very small town. My husband and I chose Cuyahoga Falls to become our forever home because we love this community. We are happy to be raising our 3 young children in such an incredible, growing city. I am the best candidate for the office because I offer a unique perspective of having chosen to put my whole heart and soul into this city when we chose Cuyahoga Falls as our forever home. Having a young family, I feel an absolute need to see our city continue to thrive -- with economic development, public safety, and community activities. As a mom, my kids are considered in every single decision I make -- both on and off council. And I'll continue to think of them and every other family when making decisions on behalf of Ward 1.
What is your vision for economic development for your community over the next 10 years? I would like to see our community businesses grow in additional areas -- like Bailey Road on the East Side of town, and the State Road corridor. Using our community development program, the revitalization of these areas (and others) are absolutely possible over the next 10 years. Front Street is thriving with visitors from all over. My vision is to have the other corridors of the city -- both East and West -- connected to the Front Street project. The Cuyahoga Valley National Park receives upwards of 2 million visitors per year. Inviting those travellers to our city is a crucial step to our economic development. And attaching the corridors of our city will help ensure that those visitors make it to Cuyahoga Falls.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? One of the most significant issues we see and hear about are infrastructure concerns -- whether it be electrical or roadways. For roadway and paving infrastructure concerns, I've helped to approve significant funds to increase the amount of roads being upgraded and paved. I've also voted to approve the electrical infrastructure on our city grid, as well as the new electrical facility. I'll also push for additional tree trimming budget to help prevent electric outages caused by down trees and branches. Another huge concern for many people throughout the community is crime. While our crime rates have been steady for many years, I'll continue to support our Cuyahoga Falls Police Department with their requests for additional training and officers required to meet the community demands. Open communication between the police department and the community has been a tremendous way to get the correct information (and transparency) out into the community. I would like to see that continue.
Ward 2 Council
Jason Arrington
Republican
Candidate did not respond
Susan Anne Spinner
Democrat
Training/Experience: Bohecker's Business College 1997-2002, Director of Financial Aid; Fortis College- Cuyahoga Falls Campus 2002-Present, Director of Student Accounts/Business Office Mgr.; City of Cuyahoga Falls 2020 - Present, City Council Member Ward 2 Representative; Schnee Learning Center 2020 - Present, Member Board of Directors; Cuyahoga Falls Downtown Partnership 2020 - Present, Member Board of Directors; Summit County American Cancer Society Relay for Life Planning Committee Member.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration from the University of Cincinnati
Website: www.susanspinner.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office? Experience, positive results, and a demonstrated commitment to serve our community make Susan Spinner the best candidate for Cuyahoga Falls City Council in Ward 2. In my first term on City Council, I acquired the knowledge and experience to help get problems solved and questions answered. During my second term, I continue to be accessible and responsive to the residents in my ward. Our Ward 2 neighbors know they can reach me personally and I will respond. Since taking office in January 2020, the opportunities to expand my public service have grown allowing for even greater involvement in our community. Chairing the Planning and Zoning Committee as well as sitting on several boards and commissions including the Cuyahoga Falls Downtown Partnership and Schnee Learning Center Board of Directors, the Cuyahoga Falls Planning Commission, and the Sustainability, Energy, and Environment Committee have allowed me to contribute in ways that have positively impacted on our city as a whole.
What is your vision for economic development for your community over the next 10 years? Business activity and an increased sense of community continue to flourish in the city's downtown and Portage Crossing areas. As 26-year Cuyahoga Falls residents, we have witnessed the transformation of both these areas under the direction of the current administration. I'm firmly committed to supporting the continuation of those efforts into other areas, especially the South State and South Front Street Corridors - which are already underway! As we experience more growth, the city will have even greater access to the resources needed to support more opportunities for our residents and businesses. As a city council member, I'm very proud to support the administration's ability to access grant funding which supports many projects throughout the city. These grant funds support public art, new playground equipment, street repaving, small businesses, low interest loans for home improvements, much needed city facility updates, and help with big projects like the Gorge Dam removal.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? Post pandemic we experienced the impact of a shortfall in our workforce, making it difficult for some businesses to continue operating at full capacity. We were fortunate in Cuyahoga Falls that only a couple businesses had to close their doors. However, another workforce issue is on the horizon. As baby boomers leave the workplace, gaps too large to fill will be left behind unless we get creative and expand our resources. This is the aim of the Cuyahoga Falls Welcoming Workforce Coalition. I fully support welcoming international newcomers to Cuyahoga Falls and the efforts of the Coalition to bring their talents and expertise to our workforce. Creating opportunities and opening pathways for ALL who have selected Cuyahoga Falls as their home will be mutually beneficial. I am further encouraged by the participation, cooperation and diverse representation on the Coalition which will ensure its success in our community. Cuyahoga Falls will once again set the example for other cities.
Ward 3 Council
Mark Ludwig
Non-partisan
Training/Experience: Community Activist
Education: B.A. The University of Akron; M.M. Kent State University
Website: www.markludwig.blog
Why are you the best candidate for the office? Along with a fresh perspective and diversity in thought, I bring to the table a spirit of service and collaboration. As the nonpartisan candidate, my only concern is for the prosperity of CF citizens, not politicians, political parties or agendas. In order to understand their needs, I've fostered relationships with South State business owners and validated resident's frustrations with vacant properties by actively looking for solutions. Without a formal leadership role, I've taken strategic action to bring these concerns to the forefront of our community. Respected for my involvement and commitment to the area, I was invited by the City of Cuyahoga Falls Development Dept. to be a steering committee consultant, focusing on the revitalization of South State. Hoping to attract new business investment and lead by example, I cleaned sidewalks and collected trash, which helped form a unique assessment for the needs of State Rd and Ward 3.
What is your vision for economic development for your community over the next 10 years? State Rd is not only home to several large corps, such as GOJO and Alside, but hundreds of small businesses, many "mom and pop" owned. Collectively, they create a substantial source of tax revenue for the City of Cuyahoga Falls. It is vital to the prosperity of our community that State Rd, the economic spine of CF, is hospitable to both investors and consumers. While rehabbing the facades of older buildings, creating a logo and placing signs for a sense of identity makes an area look more appealing, it lacks the depth and understanding needed to keep this tax revenue corridor relevant to the modern consumer. Ward 3 residents share their neighborhoods with 100+ businesses, the largest being Western Reserve Hospital, employing 1000 people, many with high paying jobs, providing an enormous source of wealth for CF. It is critical, for the economic wellbeing of the city, that Ward 3, which is inundated with vacant buildings, has purposeful and visionary development.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? With 3 pedestrian fatalities on State Rd beginning in December of 2022, documented accidents from unlevel and dangerous sidewalks causing citizens to fall out of mobility chairs, broken crosswalk call buttons at nearly every intersection and exposed high voltage wiring from street light poles, a thorough inspection of visible infrastructure needs to be conducted throughout the wards yearly in order to prevent further injuries and the eventual lawsuit. Ideally done by engaged councilmembers who are concerned with the needs of the ward, additional CF staff would not be needed. Without a newspaper focused on CF and using the recent controversy of CFFD training tower in Northampton, a plan presented publicly to council in 2021 demonstrates communication between the City of CF and citizens is not effective. An inexpensive solution, used by many surrounding communities and our own schoolboard, would be to livestream all public meetings, fostering citizen engagement and participation.
Meika Marie Penta
Democrat
Training/Experience: Cuyahoga Falls Ward 3 Councilwoman (2020-present), Public Improvements (2019, Chair, 2022-Present), Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (Vice-Chair, 2022-Present), Community Development (Chair, 2019-2021), Community Redevelopment Area Housing Council (2019-2021), Telecommunications Advisory Committee (2019-Present), Emergency Medical Services Board of Review (2020-Present), Design & Historic Review Board (2020-present), Public Art Board (2022-present)
Education: University of Akron, Associate of the Arts degree
Website: pentaforcouncil.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I am the best candidate because of my track record delivering tangible results for Ward 3 and our community. From infrastructure repairs to business incentives and park improvements, I've shown effective leadership. Collaborating responsibly, I aim to make the 'South State District' an event destination, benefiting residents and businesses. I've championed Babb Run Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary's improvement plan and prioritize keeping residents informed through regular updates and newsletters. With proven experience, I'm committed to advancing our community's progress. In Cuyahoga Falls, we face complex challenges like the Merriman Valley - Schumacher Area Master Plan. I possess the experience needed for these complex issues. I have a deep understanding of policy, budgeting, and governance, consistently making informed decisions that benefit our community. My strength lies in representing the diverse needs of our Ward, engaging with community members, and finding inclusive solutions.
What is your vision for economic development for your community over the next 10 years? In the coming decade, Cuyahoga Falls will continue to thrive as a dynamic community through its rich history. We'll continue revitalizing our commercial corridors as a hub of culture, economic vitality, and unique locally owned businesses. Our ongoing commitment to transforming the State Road Corridor will make it a premier shopping and dining destination, enhancing economic activity and community pride. Supporting small businesses is paramount, driving our local economy and job creation. We'll continue streamlining bureaucracy, offering incentives, and promoting local shopping to push this forward. Doing this will ensure our community's wealth circulates within our borders. By revitalizing our downtown, nurturing neighborhoods, and empowering small businesses, we pave the way for a prosperous future while preserving our city's vibrancy.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? Like all cities, we face resource constraints. As your council representative, I'll continue to collaborate with the administration and fellow council members to find practical solutions. These include fostering public-private partnerships with local businesses and organizations to share resources and fund community projects. I'll continue to actively direct the city to seek grants and funding opportunities at the state and federal levels to supplement our budget. Within city operations, I'll continue looking at efficiency measures to optimize resource allocation and ensure transparent budgeting to build trust with residents and encourage their involvement. Furthermore, I'll continue to provide specific, actionable plans for public safety, infrastructure improvement, and economic development. These well-researched ideas are aimed at making Ward 3 a better place to live, work, and play.
Ward 4 Council
Shane Parker
Republican
Candidate did not respond
Joe Siegferth III
Democrat
Education: Bachelors
Training/Experience: Experienced business professional with specialization in contract management and working with government agencies.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090756272692&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I am the best candidate for Ward 4 Council because being a true public servant is always at the forefront of how I operate. This includes being accessible, accountable, and providing timely and thorough follow-up. My efforts will be focused on policy and legislation that will continue to allow our community to thrive. I look forward to continuing to serve the community I care so deeply about and am so fortunate to be a part of.
What is your vision for economic development for your community over the 10 ten years? Utilizing my experience in business, my goal is to work collaboratively with council members, community leaders, and constituents to create results for Ward 4 that benefits families, young professionals, and current and prospective small business owners. Ward 4 will continue to be an inclusive community that offers a wide range of activities that everyone can enjoy, highlighted by Front Street, our crown jewel.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? As our community's population continues to grow, public safety issues are at the forefront. I will continue to focus on legislation that protects our most vulnerable community members and supports our essential services. I will work diligently to secure funds for infrastructure and road improvements.
Ward 6 Council
Gary DeRemer
Democrat
Training/Experience: Two Years as Councilman
Education: Business classes at Akron University, Real estate classes at Hondros College
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I'm a lifelong resident of Cuyahoga Falls. The past thirty years have prepared me for this position. My past community involvement such as Cuyahoga falls Little league North, Cuyahoga Falls Jaycee's, Cuyahoga Falls Oktoberfest committee ( last twenty years) Cuyahoga Falls Downtown partnership are just a few of the groups I have served on. I was a councilman for two years. My current job as a Realtor also keeps me in front of the people of the comunity.
What is your vision for economic development for your community over the next 10 years? Keep the growth in the city going. The more we invest in our community the more financial growth we will see. I would like more money put into projects on south Bailey Rd and State Rd. These areas could bring more retail business to the city.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? Speeding and drugs are some major pressing issues in our ward. I would like to have more police presence during the heavy travel times. The speed times posted as you pass also help with reminding drivers to slow down. To address the Drug issue we need to educate the youth before they start experimenting with drugs. It can be at school or at home. The more aware the youth are to possible problems the less likely they are to start.
Adam Miller
Republican
Candidate did not respond
Ward 8 Council
Terri Schlosser
Republican
Candidate did not respond
Frank Stams
Democrat
Education: BA History, University of Notre Dame
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReelectFrankStams
Why are you the best candidate for the office? My upbringing in Cuyahoga Falls has provided me with a valuable perspective on what truly matters to the people in our amazing community and what draws them here. My wife, Mari, and I have raised our family in Cuyahoga Falls. A safe environment in the neighborhoods and on our streets, responsible development with supportive infrastructure and a strong commitment to our Parks and Recreation are a few issues that I value most. As the councilman for nearly four years, I worked with the Administration to bring improvements to Ward 8, including the completion of many repaving and infrastructure projects in our ward, renovations to the Northampton Town Hall, and the installation of the Maple Syrup Trail. I am responsive to constituents calls and requests and work towards obtaining positive results for them. I have proven my commitment to the Ward 8 residents through my actions and I look forward to continuing to represent you.
What is your vision for economic development for your community over the next 10 years? As the much anticipated Master Plan for the Merriman Valley starts to come together, I am eager to collaborate with residents, members of City Council, and the Administration to bring it to life. The plan will account for both development of greenfield spaces and rehabilitation and renovation of existing industrial sites and outdated structures. Creating a plan that preserves and maintains the natural beauty of our corridor to the river and nearby parks has been the major goal. My vision is to see that this plan comes to fruition. We must ensure that the final plan is followed by developers, cities and residents alike. We know that people want to live, work and play in the Valley. We just need to be mindful that their presence there upsets the ecological balance of existing natural resources. I promise to work toward ensuring that the plan is well-executed and that the balance of growth and preserving nature is maintained.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? The most significant concern for Ward 8 residents is ensuring responsible development. Through my conversations with residents, I have advocated that development must include an economic and harmonious plan for our Ward. I oppose the construction of high-density housing that drains city resources . As a member of City Council's Public Improvements Committee, I will continue to address other priorities tied to growth, including: traffic safety concerns, a larger street resurfacing budget, improved infrastructure and more storm water management. I have been working hard to get more streets paved in Ward 8 and each year more streets continue to be improved. This year, Riverview Road and Akron-Peninsula Road were resurfaced along with others. Street improvements continue to be a main priority for me and my residents.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cuyahoga Falls Voter Guide: Meet candidates for 7 council races
