2023 Hudson Voter Guide: Here are the candidates for council, school board
Welcome to the 2023 Voter Guide produced by the League of Women Voters and Akron Beacon Journal with funding from the Knight Foundation.
Hudson voters will find contested races for four ward races on City Council and the Hudson Board of Education, where four candidates are seeking two seats for a full four-year term. In a second school board race, two candidates are seeking to finish an unexpired term through 2025. All of these races are non-partisan.
Mayor Jeff Anzevino, a ceremonial role in the city manager government, faces no challengers to maintain his role.
A Hudson school levy is covered elsewhere.
Early voting is taking place at the Summit County Board of Elections Early Vote Center, 500 Grant St., Akron.
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Candidate 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 Ward 1
Patricia Goetz
Training/Experience: Residency in Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry Board Certified
Education: BA Seton Hill College MD University of Pittsburgh
Website: ElectDrGoetz.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office? To be a successful leader, you have to be able to overcome challenges. I have had many difficult personal challenges such as caring for a severely developmentally handicapped daughter and caring for a husband with ALS. I have also dealt with professional challenges such as being a woman in medicine and attending medical school when only 9% of my class were women. I am able to work in city government since I have worked on the county and state level in mental health. These experiences have prepared me to work in city government. As the best candidate to meet Hudson's challenges, I will collaborate, problem solve and work hard. I learned all these skills in my many years as a psychiatrist.
What is your vision for economic development of your community over the next ten years? To keep Hudson strong economically for the next 10 years, we need a two-prolonged attack. First we need to keep retail businesses strong to support the people who live in Hudson and to entice companies to move here. We need to take advantage of any County, State, and Federal grants or tax credits to attract and retain businesses. Our Chamber of Commerce needs to remain strong. Secondly, for tax revenue, we need to retain and attract companies with highly paid employees. This balanced approach will serve Hudson well for the future.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? The most critical issue in Hudson is the divisiveness and anger that exists among the residents. It has become very difficult to compromise on any subject. City Council meetings as currently constructed are not conducive to discussion and the exchange of ideas. I would handle this by organizing more town meetings. Perhaps with the help of a facilitator, residents would find common ground. I will model truthful and respectful speech with council members and residents. Other issues to address: 1. High speed internet for the entire city needs to be developed either through expanding Velocity or working with Lit Communities ( a public-private partnership) 2. I am advocating that Phase 2 be developed for empty nester housing. 3. Environmental issues can be addressed though a Climate Action Plan and a Green House Gas Assessment 4. A dedicated senior center with full time staff is in great need.
Todd Zedak
Education: BA, UMass Amherst
Website: zedakforcouncil.org
Why are you the best candidate for the office? Your voice matters. I am committed to listening to you and more importantly, your values, to guide our future plans. Non-partisanship matters. I will always do what is right for the citizens of Hudson, not because it is a platform in a Party agenda. Problem solving matters. I engage actively and creatively with all stakeholders to craft and create constructive, creative and viable solutions to City challenges. Your values matter. I have actively and concretely reached out to the community at large to understand the values most important to the entire community. I have and will use this knowledge to drive solutions to our challenges so that everything we do is driven by and in accord with these values.
What is your vision for economic development of your community over the next ten years? Our community is in great fiscal shape. We need to continue to do the work that supports our core community values. There is volatility in the downtown real estate market, and we need to engage in efforts to decrease turnover and increase foot traffic. We need to insure that everyone contributing to the economic vitality of our community is treated consistently, fairly, and in ways that make their experience welcoming and prosperous.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? Civility in government - We must, as leaders, demonstrate civility, intelligence and a willingness to work towards solutions that buttress our communities values. As a Council of leaders, we must, at all times, seek consensus. Open space - We have identified 5 specific areas that are potential sites for significant development. What gets developed in these areas must be driven by the needs of the community and the values of the community. It should NOT be driven by the needs of Developers. The 10 year steering committee, of which I am a member, is wrestling with these very issues.
Council Ward 2
Chris Foster
Training/Experience: Business Owner, GIE Media Inc
Education: BBA - International Business, International Marketing, Enrolled in MLS/JD at Washington U
Website: www.citizensforfoster.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I have lived in Hudson largely since 1969, nearly my entire life. Four of my homes were in Ward 2, which I have been representing for the past 4 years. My knowledge of city affairs, finances, construction projects, grants, and development is broad and deep. There is hardly a wetland I have not walked in muck boots, a road I have not run, or a city financial issue I am not thoroughly familiar with. I have been highly responsive to the residents of not only Ward 2, but all of Hudson, when they come to me asking for help or knowledge on various topics. I am a neighbor, not a politician. My answers are clear, honest, and to the point. If it is within my power to help someone, I have and will. I have only aspired to be of service to the community where I was raised and where I raised my three children. As an example - during the covid lockdown, the postmaster stopped delivering mail to a local retirement home. I delivered that mail, including a lot of prescriptions, for months.
What is your vision for economic development of your community over the next ten years? Hudson development should remain controlled and incremental. Some areas, such as Seasons Rd on the southwest of Hudson, are ideal for commercial development which we will see more of now that it has city water and a medical facility is being constructed. The south central corridor (91 near Stow) likely needs attention as zoning in that area has inhibited its development. Downtown, Phase 2, will need to be addressed by our comprehensive plan to provide the right balance of amenities that our neighbors want to see, be that some housing, some community center or park, and shopping or restaurants. But ultimately an issue the community will decide in the comprehensive plan which is currently being rewritten. We need to decide on long term YDC use. Will it be used for commercial growth or was its purchase sunk costs, which would result in community use in the future. It remains another focus area of the comp plan.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? The balance of community needs with fiscal responsibility is our biggest challenge. Some people would expand velocity broadband at the cost of $22 million. I would rather bring fiber to residents via public / private partnership, which we are in the process of doing. Those dollars can be better used invested into our infrastructure to mitigate stormwater, improve roads, expand sidewalks and connectivity. I would like to see some city millage residents pay on property tax bills transferred to the schools so we can reduce the tax burden on residents. We all want a pool but can the city sustain a $30 million rec center? Many communities struggle with that financial decision. Perhaps we can scale that idea down to provide missing benefits at an affordable price. In the coming decade we face the loss of 40% of our public power base load due to legislation at the federal and Illinois State level, leaving Hudson on the hook for the costs but without the power. We need a good solution.
Madeline Lepidi-Carino
Training/Experience: license attorney; trained mediator; Licensed social worker
Education: BS in Elementary Education; MSSA in Social Science Administration; JD in law Cleveland State University
Website: madeline4hudson.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office? As a trained mediator and attorney, I am able to work with others on difficult issues in a civil, respectful, and constructive manner. I believe that I can cultivate change through community collaboration, cooperation, and civil discourse.
What is your vision for economic development of your community over the next ten years? Developing our undeveloped land in ways that will benefit the residents and generate tax revenue for the city. Expanding fiber velocity broadband to all of our residents . The initial costs will be outweighed by the revenue it will generate for the city. Also, it will attract more business to Hudson Develop through community engagement ways to attract, maintain, and support our businesses.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? Empty nester housing. Our old residences want to downsize but have to leave Hudson to find suitable housing for single families and those looking to downsize.Developing the phase 2 land with empty nestor and single family homes would benefit the residents and generate tax revenue. Better internet system by expanding velocity broadband to all residents Developing services for seniors by developing a re center for seniors that provide a variety of services
Council Ward 3
Mike Donovan
Write-in candidate
Training/Experience: 30+ years Public and Private Sector experience
Education: Masters of Public Administration, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Website: Electmikedonovan.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office? With more than 30 years experience in both the public and private sectors, and undergraduate and masters degrees in Public Administration, I am more than qualified to serve on Council and will hit the ground running. Having run as an at-large Council candidate in 2021, I’ve knocked on thousands of doors in Hudson and I know the pride that many feel about our community. On the personal side, I’ve run two marathons and my wife and I raised our three kids in Hudson—who are now impressive adults. And - I’ve stared down cancer, something that has led me to step back and consider the mark I have made in this world and what has led to my decision to run for Council. I’m excited about serving Ward 3 residents. Because I believe a Council member should be an advocate for residents and lead by example, I will prioritize economic development and work collaboratively with city staff and fellow Council members.
What is your vision for economic development of your community over the next ten years? I am encouraged by recent “framework” draft language by the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee that would “promote the Downtown focus area as a mixed-use district with a focus on housing and quality community spaces”. I would like to see Empty nester/First floor living included in phase II or elsewhere in Hudson. Environmental/open space should, of course, be considered. Going forward, I would encourage business that meets the new paradigm of work from home and encourage a safe, walkable community that preserves open spaces, while including community input and supporting our existing local businesses.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? In Ward 3, infrastructure and utilities are the primary issues. There is a need for sidewalks and access to public water. In the greater City, I would improve opportunities for Hudson's senior citizens- meeting a need that has been ignored in the past. There are many ways the City could step up. Also, there is a real concern in the community, about the divisiveness among Council. I want to collaborate with fellow Council members and city staff to find common ground and focus on the City's business.
Skylar Sutton
Training/Experience: Hudson City Council 2019-Current
Education: Masters of Science in Information Technology (University of Michigan)
Website: https://suttonforhudson.com/
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I have been Ward 3's elected official since 2019, and have enjoyed that time as your representative and advocate on Hudson City Council. I am proud of the achievements we made but feel there is still more we can do. I am fiercely independent and do not belong to any political party. The pandemic started just months into our term and threatened Hudson’s primary revenue stream (income taxes) and our expenses (inflation). Through careful fiscal governance we managed to accommodate and support local businesses through efforts like the D.O.R.A., maintain our AAA credit rating, increase revenues, decrease expenses, and reduce the general fund debt ratio. On top of that we invested tens of millions into streets and sidewalk projects, and started the process for water and internet expansion. I have championed Quiet Zones at railroad crossings and stronger zoning protections. I have no specific agenda, I derive it directly from your wants and needs and will continue to do so if re-elected.
What is your vision for economic development of your community over the next ten years? The City of Hudson is primarily funded through income tax (we receive less than 6% of the property taxes you pay!) - so maintaining a balance of small, mid, and large businesses is critical to our continued success. The YDC property is some of the last real estate in Hudson that could deliver high income tax receipts. It's proximity to several travel routes makes it a great candidate for a research or office park, augmented with some light retail for our northwest residents. That said, I am a firm believer that work-from-home (WFH) is here to stay. That means the amenities and services we provide to residents are now more important than ever. We need to make sure people want to live AND work in Hudson - and that means upgrading our infrastructure to modern levels.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? Our patchwork of utility providers and utility deserts are our biggest issue. During the village/township merger many promises were made, directly or indirectly, and it's time for the City to make that right. Did you know that 32% of your neighbors do not have access to City water or fire hydrants? Or that 8% of your neighbors still use septic tanks and have to have their sewage trucked away? I am a member of two utility expansion subcommittees (water and fiber) and we're making great progress on both. The fiber subcommittee is closing in on an agreement with a private partner who can provide fiber internet to every resident who doesn't have high speed access. The water subcommittee is working on a proposal to cost-share with residents who want to expand the city water system to their homes.
Council Ward 4
Mike Bird
Education: B.A., Miami University; M.D., University of Cincinnati; M.P.H., University of Michigan
Training/Experience: 25 years pediatric emergency physician, 20 years quality improvement expert
Website: www.friendsofdrbird.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I will be fully committed to doing what’s best for the residents of Ward 4 and the City of Hudson. The position of Council members in Hudson is officially non-partisan, and I will strive to be as non-partisan as I can be. Neither my family nor I have any connection to or work for a political party or a partisan candidate. I aspire to no other political office, and Hudson City council is not a stepping stone for me. I will not be looking to make political points, nor pander to a particular party while in office. During my 20+ years as a quality improvement expert and physician, I worked with teams to improve healthcare of children. People with different priorities, issues, experiences, politics. I listened to them. I helped them analyze situations, interpret data, resolve conflict, find common ground, agree on key metrics and objectives, and improve kids lives – those same skills will help me be an effective non-partisan council member and do what is best for the City of Hudson.
What is your vision for economic development of your community over the next ten years? The next ten years could bring unimaginable changes and many challenges – for Hudson to remain fiscally strong we must be prepared and be able to adapt to a changing economy. The city should retain highly qualified experts in economic development, remain attractive to business and be a place that is desirable to live. Super fast broadband and better cell coverage will be essential. Schools must remain top-notch to attract employers and residents, as well as our downtown and our parks. Our small town charm needs to remain, and though most Hudsonsites want economic development, we don’t want to grow very fast. We aren’t interested in big box retail stores or other businesses that would threaten what makes Hudson special. Efforts that the city can make to increase work from home (e.g., fast broadband) would provide additional income tax revenue (without additional residents).
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? Partisanship on Council is a significant issue that affects our ability to address all others. Until recently, most of us didn’t know the party affiliation of our council member. Now the partisanship is very apparent. Partisanship divides and alienates us, and causes many residents to disengage. Council should try to find common ground, encourage (not discourage) those with differing viewpoints. Per the recent community survey, the top four priorities for city services are expanding Velocity broadband (VB), road conditions, sidewalks, and senior services. Residents have been asking for VB for years, with little progress. If an arrangement with a for-profit company cannot be made, we should explore being a municipal broadband provider. Hudson has a plan for road and sidewalk improvements, and we should move forward with those plans, and reprioritize as necessary. Providing additional resources – staff, space, and services – to support our seniors is something that should be done.
Scott Ruffer
Candidate did not respond
Board of Education (full term)
Vote for no more than 2.
Laura Jones
Education: BA from Ohio Wesleyan University; MEd from Cleveland State University
Training/Experience: I have taught 11 years of Middle School English and Social Studies. I currently teach in the Cleveland Metropolitan School System. I have also worked for two local universities supervising student teachers throughout NEO. I was also appointed to the board and served a year. I have also devoted countless hours of service and leadership to the Hudson school community including: Co-Executive Director, Hudson Community First; Co-Chair- Citizens Committee for Hudson Schools; Chair- Hudson City Schools Finance Committee; Board Member- Hudson City Schools Foundation and Hudson Public Schools Endowment Fund; Coordinator- Hudson VIP; Hudson PTO Pancake Breakfast Co-Chair; Executive Board of Safe Routes Hudson; Executive Board of Drug Safe Hudson
Website: laurajonesforhudsonschools.com
Describe the role of a local school board member and share why you are the best person to fill this role. As a board member and educator, I know that the role of the school board is to set and oversee implementation of policy while leaving the day to day operation of the school to the qualified administrators. As a school board member, I make student centered policy decisions without a personal or political agenda but based on what is best for all students.
What do you think are the top three issues in public education? The top three issues in education are: 1. Finances: In Ohio, the Ohio Supreme Court has declared school funding un-constitutional. Not only that, but schools are tasked to go back to voters to maintain fiscal stability. 2. Student and Staff Safety and Mental Health: All you need to do is turn on the news on any given evening to hear about another problem with school safety. As an educator and a board member, I also am aware of the increased mental health needs of both students and staff. 3. Literacy: Governor Mike Dewine added the Science of Reading to his state budget because of issues across the state with reading and writing. One of the most important things we can do foundationally is provide a base of literacy early in our children's educational experience.
Education has become the target for hot-topic issues. What skills do you have for constructive responses to controversy? I am a 21-year resident of Hudson who has been involved in many groups, including now as a member of the school board. Throughout all of that time I have listened to others concerns and then sought to find information and solutions for these problems. Many of the issues in education today are very personal for parents who have concerns about their children. As a parent, I can empathize with a parent who is concerned for their child and will work to help them find a solution. As a school board member, I believe our role is to always search for a solution that is best for our students and that is what I have done when dealing with issues in the past and what I will continue to do in the future.
Are there unmet educational needs that you feel need to be addressed and what are they? As stated in question 2, student mental health is growing into a bigger challenge every day. As we work to reduce the stigma behind mental health issues, more students and parents are seeking help for challenges, many that were exacerbated by the pandemic. Hudson Schools has hired two new school counselors as well as two new clinical counselors to help with this need in Hudson. However, we will continue to need to work with local, state and national resources if we are to have a significant impact.
What policies will you support or oppose to protect our schools from violence? Hudson Schools has many procedures as well as infrastructure in place to help protect our schools and our students from violence. Examples include "See Something, Say Something", "The Safe School Hotline", mental health and wellness services, three School Resource Officers, cameras across the campuses, and security vestibules into buildings. I support current policies that are designed to reduce bullying. I believe our students' sense of belonging is critical to their safety and well-being. I will continue to support policies and procedures that create a safe and welcoming environment for all students.
Mark Justice
Candidate did not respond
Matt Romano
Candidate did not respond
Thomas J. Tobin
Education: Business Degree fro Miami University
Training/Experience: Started and operated a business, American Endowment Foundation. On boards of several local orgs.
Website: tobin4hudson.com
Describe the role of a local school board member and share why you are the best person to fill this role. In the eight years I have been on the Hudson School Board, I have learned several things about being a good board member. One needs to make decisions based on what is best for the students, but also for our community. One needs to be a good steward of the assets the community entrusts to us. My record proves my commitment to these concepts. Also, as a board member, I have not allowed myself to be swayed by national partisan politics. I have no partisan affiliation.
What do you think are the top three issues in public education? My answer relates specifically to Hudson. Maintaining top academic standards. Providing a culture that is welcoming and supportive for all students so they can learn without destructive distractions. Keeping our district on a sound financial footing, and making good spending decisions.
Education has become the target for hot-topic issues. What skills do you have for constructive responses to controversy? I am committed to listening to, and considering all criticism and suggestions for how we can do better. I need to treat critics with respect. With very few exceptions, I believe I have demonstrated my commitment to this approach, particularly over the past few years.
Are there unmet educational needs that you feel need to be addressed and what are they? We have great teachers, great facilities, and great curriculum. These and other ingredients are responsible for our high ranking as a district. But we can do better. I and the rest of the Board are committed to continuous improvement. Consistent with our new strategic goals, I look forward to exploring if we could do a better job helping our students understand their education/career options. I suspect that too many of our students and parents believe the only path to success is via a degree from a prestigious university, often followed up with a graduate degree. I wonder if we can do a better job helping our students find their own path to success.
What policies will you support or oppose to protect our schools from violence? I support armed school resource officers. I am against arming teachers or staff (not that we have seriously considered it). I want to remind every Hudson resident how important it is to keep guns locked and unavailable to our children.
Board of Education (unexpired term)
Vote for no more than 1.
Matthew Clapper
Candidate did not respond
Mark Dzurec
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Kent State University
Website: www.mark4hudson.com
Describe the role of a local school board member and share why you are the best person to fill this role. The primary function of a school board member is to work collaboratively to provide deliberate and intentional governance within a school district. It is imperative that all students are propelled forward in achieving academic success and personal growth. My professional background in working and building consensus through a number of joint private/public sector programs will allow me to make an immediate and positive contribution to the Hudson City School District. As a parent, I am a firsthand witness to the joys and challenges of our kids' Explorer experiences.
What do you think are the top three issues in public education? The top three issues in public education are (1) ensuring our students are successfully learning post-pandemic; (2) maximizing educational opportunities for all students while implementing strict fiscal oversight; and (3) providing a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.
Education has become the target for hot-topic issues. What skills do you have for constructive responses to controversy? With a career background in management consulting, I have experience working with a number of private and public sector partners to develop programs that met and exceeded various performance benchmarks. Effective community engagement was key to this success and should be the goal of boards of education. When a community feels connected to district leaders and understands the decision making process, its members will feel more like partners in all decisions that move a district forward. Regarding controversial issues, I value civility and encourage varying opinions and feedback. As a prospective board member, I will listen to and respond to community stakeholders within the district.
Are there unmet educational needs that you feel need to be addressed and what are they? As we move beyond the pandemic, it will require decades for us as a society to understand the devastating impact Covid-19 had on public education, including loss of learning and social development, as well as the mental and emotional health of our students. This will require school district leaders and teachers to pivot and make critical enhancements in curricula and within classrooms. It will also require parents and community members to support and trust our school leaders and teachers, as they are the experts. Our kids our resilient and flexible and this was demonstrated during the pandemic. We cannot always anticipate a curveball, but we can certainly prepare and work together to overcome adversity.
What policies will you support or oppose to protect our schools from violence? Violence that occurs on school property or at a school-related events may include self-inflicted harm, mental health concerns, illicit drug use, domestic violence, bullying and assault, among other issues, impacting the daily Explorer experience. The need for preventive education for our students and staff is necessary, but we also need to make sure we are proactively responding and addressing issues that arise in an effective and timely manner. The School Safety Resource Officer (SRO) presence at our schools and implementation of the awareness of the “See Something, Say Something” programs are excellent. Additionally, we need to support our school counselors, staff members, bus drivers, and every individual who interacts with our kids to make sure our safety net is cast wide and remains strong. Our kids thrive when their well-being and safety is upheld. We must create this environment within our schools. I support all policies that protect our kids in non-violent ways.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 2023 Hudson Voter Guide: Meet candidates for council, school board
