2023 Fairlawn Voter Guide: Meet candidates for city council
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 focuses on the city of Fairlawn's contested races, which are are profiled below. The following races are uncontested: mayor (Russell Shamsky), finance director (Mark Ludwig), Ward 4 council (Philip Brillhart), Ward 6 council (Dan Welsh)
This year's Nov. 7 election will see Ohioans voting for local offices and issues. Early voting is taking place at the Summit County Board of Elections, 500 Grant St., Akron, until Nov. 5.
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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
If you click on the first link below, you can provide your address and see a customized ballot with your local races and issues only. If you prefer to find your own races, scroll down lower on this page.
2023 Election: Summit County Voter Guide
Council-at-Large
Stephanie Dannemiller
Education: University of Akron
Training/Experience: Summit County Board of Elections
Why are you the best candidate for the office? Fairlawn’s future is of utmost importance to me, and I have a clear long-term vision for our city’s growth and development. I pledge to uphold the highest ethical standards and always act in the best interests of our community. My accessibility and responsiveness to constituents will be unwavering. I am here to listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to address them. Lastly, I possess the adaptability required to respond effectively to the evolving needs and challenges facing our city. In summary, my commitment to transparency, vision, ethics, accessibility, and adaptability make me the ideal candidate to serve Fairlawn on the city council at large.
What is your vision for economic development for your community over the next ten years? In the next ten years, my vision for economic development in our community is one of sustainable growth and prosperity. Economic conditions can change rapidly. I will prioritize adaptability in our economic development strategies, allowing us to respond effectively to unforeseen challenges. Overall, my vision for economic development is one of balanced growth that benefits everyone in our community. By focusing on these priorities, I aim to create a vibrant and resilient community that thrives economically over the next decade.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? The most significant issues facing Fairlawn are maintaining its small city appeal while facilitating economic growth and keeping its residents safe. If elected I would Implement zoning regulations that encourage mixed-use development, which allows for a blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces while preserving a small-town atmosphere. Offer incentives and grants for small businesses that align with the character of the city. To enhance safety I would utilize data analysis to identify crime hotspots and trends, allowing for more targeted law enforcement effort. I would invest in police training and resources to ensure officers are well-equipped to handle a variety of situations and implement data-driven policing to focus resources on areas with higher crime rates.
Jon Groza
Education: Masters in Public Administration, the University of Akron
Training/Experience: Over 20 years of public service
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I am the best candidate for this position because I have the necessary civic experience to effectively lead our community. I have been a resident of the City of Fairlawn for over 13 years and have served the citizens of Fairlawn since 2014. My volunteer service to the community includes: Fairlawn Civil Service Commission (2014-2022), and Secretary of the Fairlawn Community Improvement Corporation (2020-present). In December 2022, I applied for the vacancy of Councilperson at Large. After interviewing with the current City Council, I was chosen to fill this vacancy. Since being selected to serve the Council, I have been appointed as Chairman of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and have been an active council representative in numerous City Council, boards, and commissions meetings.
What is your vision for economic development for your community over the next ten years? As a member of the Fairlawn Community Improvement Corporation, I have seen first-hand the commitment that our administration has towards advancing economic development within our city. I will encourage the CIC to continue to work towards attracting new commercial and professional enterprises that will invest in this location and which, in turn, will bring tax dollars to Fairlawn. Our community has always been known for its thriving retail businesses and many citizens come from all over to our city to shop, eat and work. As Fairlawn Councilman at Large, I want to provide our citizens with opportunities to enjoy more options that the region has come to know and value. I am investigating ways that I can work with commercial real estate agents, business owners and our city administration to attract new businesses and to ensure our commercial locations remain occupied and safe.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? Public Safety, Public Service, Park and Recreation and increasing our recycling program are the top issues. As our community continues to grow through our new housing and business developments, all these departments will need to be expanded. We must ensure that our community is safe and we need to make sure that our police and fire are fully staffed, properly trained and have the most up to date equipment and technology available. I will work at a long-term capital improvement project to continue to provide exceptional service to the upkeep and repair of our city infrastructure. Developing more community events, organizing age specific activities, and supporting our parks is a top priority. My goal is to develop seasonal specific activities and events that will occur throughout the year. I would like to do a community awareness program to find ways to increase and expand our recycling program and provide recycling bins to residents which they can bring to the compactor.
Ward 2 Council
Tracy Bess-Wilmington
Education: BS in Biology, Minor in Chemistry, Doctorate of Optometry, Bowling Green State University and Ohio State University
Training/Experience: 10 Years VP of Neighborhood Block Club, 20 Years in Industry: R&D, Sales, Quality, 6+ Years HS Science Teacher
Current Occupation: High School Science Teacher and Planetarium Director
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I am the best candidate for Fairlawn Ward 2 City Counsel because I am open and honest and committed to the success of Fairlawn. I am motivated to serve the public and be a voice for all citizens. Because of my background in science, sales, industry, and education, I am a candidate with a balanced view. I have experience in listening and working with people of all diverse backgrounds.
What is your vision for economic development for your community over the next ten years? My vision for economic development for Fairlawn over the next ten years includes more greener spaces with areas for walking and cycling. I would like to also increase outdoor activities to foster community involvement while residents feel safe and secure. Finally, I would like to aid Fairlawn to become a greener city by making environmentally conscious decisions that benefit the city and future generations of citizens in our beautiful city.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? Some issues that are concerns of the citizens in ward 2 include traffic congestion and the lack of sidewalks in certain areas for children walking to school in the dark. I am committed to aid to get studies conducted to address the traffic of concerned areas. I am also motivated to help provide safe and secure walking areas for all citizens as they walk in any neighborhood of Fairlawn.
Scott Sigel
Candidate did not respond.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Meet the candidates for Fairlawn City Council | Voter Guide
