2023 Stow Voter Guide: Meet candidates for City Council and SMF 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.
Stow voters will face choices for every City Council seat Nov. 7, but not for the roles of mayor, finance director, or law director.
Those executive roles are uncontested with Mayor John Pribonic and Law Director Jaime Syx running unopposed. Kelly Toppin is unopposed for finance director.
The Stow Munroe-Falls Board of Education race features four candidates for three seats.
Early voting is taking place until Nov. 5 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
Elect three from five candidates.
Cyle Feldman
Training/Experience: I serve as Chairman of the Roads & Safety Committee, and I am a member of the Finance and Public Improvements Committees.
Education: Master's Degree in Sports Administration from Ohio University and an Undergraduate Degree in Health/Biology Education from Ohio University.
Website: MovingStowForward.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office? Over my career, I have developed the communication and leadership skills necessary to serve as an effective community leader. I am dedicated to remaining accessible to residents, listening to their needs and applying common sense solutions. These qualities represent my strengths and my unwavering commitment to serve in the Stow community. I believe that effective representation starts with being an outstanding listener. I make it a point to actively listen to the concerns and ideas of residents. I am committed to being accessible as visiting with constituents is an essential aspect of my approach to leadership. We live in a complicated world that needs common sense, and that is how I approach my responsibilities. I have a record of making decisions that are both reasonable and effective that benefit the city. I am committed to representing the interests of residents, and I see this position as an opportunity to make Stow an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.
What is your vision for economic development of your community over the next 10 years? First, I would like to see a small to medium-sized business grant or loan program (from lodging tax) instituted by the Economic Development Department and managed by the Finance Department. The program should be in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce. This financial assistance can be used for operational improvements, business expansion or equipment upgrades. Secondly, we need to improve in the area of workforce development. This is the greatest need of small to medium-sized businesses and is key to helping them grow. We need to invest in the local school district and unite together to help align students with the needs of growing businesses in the Stow community. For example, our Career Technical Education program (CTE) is a natural extension for this need and should include vocational training, local partnerships and workforce training. Finally, the grant or loan program dollars should also be earmarked for infrastructure improvements in commercial and business areas.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? The City of Stow has issues like many other municipalities including infrastructure, connectivity, and park and road improvements to name a few, and we are making positive progress. However, our most significant issue is a lack of communication. When leading, I understand the significance of fostering transparent and honest communication. Crafting a clear vision for our city is paramount as we navigate the path ahead on our journey to Move Stow Forward. I am committed to maintaining open lines of communication with the Mayor, the city administration, and other members of city council. Listening to all perspectives is important and essential. I recognize that effective collaboration, cooperation, and compromise are crucial for building trust within Stow’s local government. By embracing a commitment to clear and honest communication, we ensure that we can all work together to tackle the challenges and celebrate the victories together here in the City of Stow.
Kyle Herman
Training/Experience: Taught high school history and civics. Wrote correspondence for President Obama. Served as assistant to the Mayor of Alexandria, Virgina. Managed pro-democracy programs in Lebanon and Iraq. Leads a nonpartisan nonprofit to bridge political divides (Rank the Vote Ohio).
Education: Stow-Munroe Falls High School (2007), Ohio Wesleyan University (2011), Harvard Kennedy School of Government (2015)
Website: HermanForStow.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I grew up in Stow, I’m a product of our community, and I want to make sure our city is strong and welcoming for everyone. Stow set me up for success in my education at Ohio Wesleyan and Harvard, and in my career, I gained valuable experiences in government, democracy-building, and cross-partisan cooperation. I taught high school history and civics; wrote correspondence for President Obama; served as assistant to the Mayor of Alexandria, Virginia; and managed pro-democracy programs in Lebanon and Iraq. I settled back home in Stow to lead a nonpartisan nonprofit organization, Rank the Vote Ohio, that works to bridge political divides and incentivize cooperation for the common good. As I became more involved in our community, Mayor Pribonic appointed me to Stow's Civil Service Commission, and he and friends encouraged me to run for Council. I want to give back to my hometown by using my public policy skills to help Stow thrive. Voters can learn more about my campaign at HermanForStow.com.
What is your vision for economic development of your community over the 10 ten years? Cities around Stow have made their town centers destinations with local restaurants and shops, and Stow should learn from their example. The next Council needs to revise Stow’s planning and zoning codes in order to reduce barriers to redevelopment and to align with strategic objectives for our walkability, tax base, and community identity. This includes reducing setbacks and parking lot sizes so that we can have more storefronts closer to sidewalks, and outdoor seating for more restaurants, especially around Stow’s traditional city center. We can also encourage more public art in special development zones. By planning for the long-term with policies to guide the course of natural redevelopment, we can have a smooth transition that is good for attracting and retaining local businesses while keeping taxes low. I also support reviving Stow’s Community Improvement Corporation so that more flexibility and creativity can be used to incentivize more local businesses.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? Public Safety: I have working relationships with Stow’s Police and Fire Departments through our Civil Service Commission, and I support Ward 2 Candidate Kelly Coffey’s plan for school safety. Environment: I support Stow's parks and green spaces, and I earned endorsements from the Sierra Club and Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund for my commitment to protecting healthy land, air, and water for our residents. Development: I want to apply my previous experience in city government to help update planning and zoning codes to improve Stow’s walkability, develop more of a town center, and support local restaurants and businesses. Fiscal Responsibility: I studied economics and budgeting while earning my Master’s in Public Policy at Harvard, and I would be a careful steward of taxpayer dollars. Civility & Cooperation: More important than any policy or party is Council’s ability to work respectfully and productively with the Mayor and City Staff to solve problems on behalf of citizens.
David A. Licate
Training/Experience: Professor and Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Akron
Education: Ph.D. in Public Policy - Kent State University, Master of Science in Criminal Justice - University of Cincinnati, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice - Kent State University
Facebook: www.facebook.com/FriendsOfDavidLicate
Why are you the best candidate for the office? My various leadership roles over two decades have made clear the value of listening more than talking. As the administrator of an academic department at a University, school board president, executive management team member of a policing consortium, and current at-large councilperson, I have the experience necessary to be successful in this challenging role. My success as a leader comes from the ability to focus people from various perspectives on a common mission. I am a responsive problem-solver who has been accessible to constituents during my six years in public office, hosting monthly office hours at the library and responding when called via phone, email, or visit. I place service to my community above loyalty to a specific party, club, or ideology. I continue to learn about community issues by serving on the School Safety, School Facilities, and Economic Development Committees. On council, I serve on the Planning and Public Improvements Committees.
What is your vision for economic development of your community over the next 10 years? First, Stow must modernize its zoning code and permitting process to remove barriers that discourage new businesses from locating in the city and existing businesses from developing. Next, the Community Improvement Corporation should be revitalized as a mechanism for development of various areas in Stow through grants, loans, and other mechanisms. Working with area business owners and the Chamber of Commerce, public officials can develop well-planned and walkable neighborhoods with various restaurants, shops, and entertainment options as found in neighboring cities. Serious consideration should be given to facilities that bring people to Stow like recreation centers and entertainment venues. Projects like an Arts Center in the park that would provide a venue for speakers, classes for children and adults, and a place for concerts and plays. Such facilities increase the number of people traveling to Stow and the probability that a business would choose to locate in the city.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? In addition to economic development barriers that can be remedied by zoning modernization, the central barrier to progress in Stow is partisanship and the inability to get all interested parties on a common mission to improve the city. When city council members, members of the city administration, the Board of Education, and local business leaders work together, much progress can be made to increase the quality of life in Stow. When people prioritize their political party, club, or ideology, or, when they make self-interested choices as they seek to run for higher office, everyone loses. It is important to elect emotionally mature individuals who are willing to work with various perspectives to create a vision and achieve a common mission. The tribalism and extreme politics at the state and national level has no place in local politics. Citizens want the snow plowed, the pothole filled, and the storm water managed. Elect people who will work as a team for the public good.
Jeremy McIntire
Training/Experience: Jeremy has over 11 years of engineering experience where he has administered multi-million dollars in transportation improvement projects across northeast Ohio. He worked for the Ohio Department of Transportation from 2012-2018 as a transportation engineer. In 2018, Jeremy joined a consulting firm where he serves as a senior project manager overseeing multimillion-dollar projects for various local governments in northeast Ohio. Jeremy’s graduate studies focused on public personnel management, strategic planning, public budgeting and financial management, and program evaluation, all of which provide him with the tools necessary to make decisions that will strengthen the quality of life that defines the hometown feel of our great community.
Education: Jeremy has a Master of Public Administration from Kent State University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Construction Engineering Technology from the University of Akron.
Website: jeremymcintire.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I am an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual who has a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities associated with being a city councilman. As a veteran, through the principles of loyalty, selfless service, and integrity, I know what it takes to serve something bigger than myself. Through undergrad and graduate studies paired with work experience, I possess a broad range of technical, personal effectiveness that I have applied while serving on city council. As your current councilman, I believe it is imperative to meet with residents regarding issues facing our community and engage with them to keep Stow thriving.
What is your vision for economic development of your community over the next 10 years? I believe the city needs to identify and build on existing assets, there are vacancies of all types of facilities across Stow. In order to make it easier for interested business and developers to invest in the community in ways that support the community's long-term priorities, to build on existing assets, we should create incentives for redevelopment to encourage existing and new businesses to make an investment in the community. We need to engage all members of the community from business owners, residents, and other stakeholders to develop a vision and a sustainable plan for the community's future, because "A vision without a plan, is just a dream". Lastly, and more importantly, incentivizing the repurposing of existing facilities conserves green space which makes productive use of existing transportation, water, and utility infrastructure. This can increase employment opportunities and the tax base and help spark investment in surrounding properties.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? The main issue that has been facing our community is the lack of strategic and long-term planning. My engineering experience and common sense approach to government along with the unanimous support of my council colleagues has led the city to start developing a ten-year park’s improvement plan, five-year capital improvement plan, and a five-year comprehensive road plan. In 2022, the voters overwhelming voted to no longer be left in the dark about when, how, and where their tax dollars are being spent. They voted loudly, telling their city government, "we desire our capital improvement projects be efficiently planned, budgeted ahead and related within an overall program" for the benefit of our community. I am working hard to to enhance the quality of life in Stow through strategic planning, reinvesting in what we have, and to ensure services are provided in an efficient and cost-effective manner for the residents.
Scott Simpkins
Education: graduate from Akron Machining institute
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I feel I will work the hardest for all Stow residents and bring fresh ideas to the table.
What is your vision for economic development of your community over the next 10 years? With the right amount of attention Stows economic growth could be very healthy. A continuous growth is necessary.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? Our roads are horrible. We need to bring back an annual crack seal program to protect new roads and expedite repairs of failing roads.
Council Ward 1
Matt Riehl
Education: J.D., Case Western Reserve School of Law; M.B.A., Case Western Reserve Weatherhead School of Management; B.B.A. Kent State University, Major: Finance
Training/Experience: Unanimously elected as City Council President four times by colleagues. Unanimously elected as City Council Vice President two times. Former Chairman of the Finance Committee and Roads and Safety Committee.
Why are you the best candidate for the office? Experience matters. I proudly served as the Ward 1 Councilman from 2008 - 2020 and was honored and humbled that my colleagues appointed me to serve again following the death of Councilman Dennis Altieri. During my time on council, I've served as City Council President, Vice President and President Pro Tem. I've also served as the Chairman of the Finance Committee and Roads and Safety Committee. Some of my accomplishments on Council include: Increasing funding for road and storm water improvements. A strong focus on fiscal responsibility. We reduced Stow's debt by over 50%, from over $31 million down to $14 million. Cutting elected officials' pay and then championing a successful charter amendment requiring voter approval before any future pay raises for elected officials. Successfully worked to preserve 450 acres of greenspace in Stow, utilizing conservation zoning. Leading the effort on Council to put Stow's checkbook online. Co-creating the Stow K-9 Donation Fund.
What is your vision for economic development of your community over the next 10 years? My philosophy on economic development is and has always been to focus on developing existing vacant buildings prior to developing open land. There are some folks who wish to develop every single piece of green space in Stow. That is both wrong and unwise. During my previous terms on council, we worked with business owners to fill existing vacancies on Commerce Drive (which had many vacancies then) as well as to redevelop the Stow-Kent Plaza. This term, we worked closely on plans to redevelop the former Stow-Glen property, which has been vacant for two years. Redevelopment will begin on that property next year. While I’m pro-free market, I also believe that we need to guard against the oversaturation of similar businesses in our community, namely car washes. Stow residents spoke loudly when they said that there were too many car washes in Stow, and I strongly supported City Council's car wash moratorium.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? Continued investment and focus on infrastructure including roads, storm water management, water lines, and our parks. This is vital to our city. While City Council has prioritized investing in these areas, we must continue to invest to maintain what we have. City Council has invested millions of dollars in Ward One to address and resolve storm water issues, including in the Wetmore Park and Oak Road areas. However, continued development has created storm water issues in other areas, including off of Marsh Road. City council must and will remain vigilant in continuing to invest in storm water management. Council has also invested record amounts in repaving roads. In July, City Council approved a proposal to repave Kent Rd. which will occur next year. Smart economic development is another important issue. As Stow continues to build out, there’s a limited amount of land left to develop. We need to think carefully about what we want to see developed and then plan accordingly.
Nick Stoiber
Education: BS in Marketing from Coastal Carolina University
Facebook: facebook.com/stoiber4stow
Why are you the best candidate for the office? As a father of three young children, I’m invested in the future of Stow. I want Stow to be a place they’re proud of; a place they want to raise their families. I am not a lawyer or politician, but as an accomplished sales leader I am skilled at creating a vision and executing on it successfully - something Stow desperately needs. I’m also committed to being present and accountable. If elected, Ward 1 residents will have a consistent voice at City Council meetings. For more information about why I am running please connect with me at FACEBOOK.COM/STOIBER4STOW
What is your vision for economic development of your community over the next 10 years? There are two areas where I feel Stow has a significant opportunity to drive economic growth: creation of a town center, and improved connectivity for bikers and pedestrians. Stow has many wonderful retailers and restaurants, but the lack of a walkable downtown drives residents to neighboring cities that offer more centralized amenities. The residents of Stow deserve a downtown where they can spend their money on food, shopping and entertainment. Over the last decade, we have seen other communities execute on long-term development plans successfully; I am committed to bringing that vision to council with the intention of kickstarting the process to create a town center with an additional focus on overall connectivity.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? Aside from a lack of strategic vision, the city has not done a great job of supporting its small business community. Local businesses are the backbone of this community, especially in Ward 1. It is so important that we fund the programs that will allow them to take advantage of low interest loans, and grants to make facility improvements. We need to make Stow an attractive place to do business as we look to recruit new entrepreneurs and grow our community. Another issue we face is increased partisanship within our local government. We cannot afford to let national divisiveness creep into local decision making. Regardless of who is elected to council we need to be able to work together to ensure a bright future for the city.
Council Ward 2
Kelly Coffey
Education: Bachelor of Science in Math and English Education from Ashland University MBA in Finance and Marketing from Walden University
Training/Experience: Therapeutic Specialty Representative Pfizer 2004-2016, Substitute Teacher Stow Schools, PTA Member and Volunteer, Christ Community Chapel Volunteer
Website: Coffeyforcouncil.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I’m an excellent choice, because I’m passionate about 3 things. One, I want to get a resource officer in each of our schools. We currently have a police officer at almost all of the schools, but if we added a couple more, we would have one at every school. Jackson Township did this successfully without a tax increase, so we would emulate their model. I have an MBA in finance, and I’m fiscally conservative. Two, I want to generate economic development and top line growth for Stow businesses, rather than increasing taxes. I worked in business for a Fortune 50 company for almost 13 years, and council is mostly business decisions. I also want to invest in our infrastructure, including roads, parks, and other economic development opportunities. Three, I want to bring unity to council and to the city by working cooperatively with the Mayor, council, and administration. My entire family lives in Stow. I care about people, young and old. I want to be a voice of our neighbors and help people.
What is your vision for economic development of your community over the next 10 years? My vision is to generate top line growth through current and new businesses, rather than tax increases. It is important to support small businesses. We could do this through a Community Investment Corporation. Small businesses are an integral part of our community, and they’re the ones who support Stow programs and sports, participate in fundraising when there is a need, provide employment and training opportunities, and bring our community together. We don't want our local businesses to move to a different city, fail, or be frustrated waiting for the support they need. Our larger organizations, such as industrial based jobs, also generate top line growth for the city and employ a lot of workers, but we need both types of businesses to create a community where people want to live and stay. Investing in education also leads to economic growth. If we have safe and academically rigorous schools, Stow will be a place people want to move and stay, which leads to economic development.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? We need unity with our council and administration, because we can get more done if we work together cooperatively. I believe God put our Mayor, as well as our other elected officials, and administration in their leadership roles. We have a good Mayor, who truly cares about the people in our city. We have a lot of good people running this city. Even if we do not all agree on all federal legislation, we are aligned at the local level, wanting to make the best decisions for the people in this city. We can accomplish this through effective communication, understanding, and a desire to accomplish the end goal. As I have gone door to door campaigning in my ward, I have been encouraged by the sense of good will and unity in the Stow community. It would be an honor for me to serve this community on Council and do my best to foster this spirit of unity that is so lacking in our nation.
Sindi Harrison
Education: Juris Doctor, University of Akron School of Law and B.S. in Business, Wright State University
Training/Experience: Business attorney with 15 years of experience. Previously served 6 years on Stow Parks & Rec Board and 2.5 years on Stow Planning Commission.
Website: www.SindiHarrison.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I am committed to representing Ward 2 and my experience, leadership, and communication skills make me the best candidate. I am an attorney with 15 years of experience navigating complex legal language and issues on a daily basis. I am currently the only attorney serving on or running for City Council. I was selected twice by my peers as Council President and led Council through the pandemic, implementing a virtual meeting process that was used by all city boards and commissions. I regularly communicate with my constituents, to make sure residents know what is happening in the city and also understand my rational for the decisions I make as their representative on City Council. The combination of these items make me the strongest candidate on November 7th.
What is your vision for economic development of your community over the next 10 years? Stow needs to continue to stay on the front edge of attracting new businesses and continue to build a strong partnership with current businesses and developers to understand their needs. Stow saw many new businesses move in during the last several years, some in new spaces/developments but also several in vacancies of both retail and industrial spaces. Stow needs to continue to attract new businesses and promote the use of vacancies already available. While Council approved a review of our zoning code, we now need to see that used for a re-write of the zoning code to ensure not only compliance with the law but also to ensure our practices are those that are both business and resident friendly. We should be reviewing our comprehensive plan to make sure the actions we are taking towards economic development are striving to achieve our long term plan. If we act decisively with these goals in mind I believe Stow will continue to be a great place for our families and businesses.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? In recent years the city has focused on improving infrastructure within the city, including a robust road paving program and increase of storm water fees to increase storm water projects within the city. We have also begun to extend our focus beyond just the necessary maintenance and look at creating an ongoing maintenance plan and program for our other city assets and properties, including our parks, walking trails, and city facilities. We need to create long term capital plans that will allow the city to prepare for larger expenses in advance. This type of planning will provide transparency so all citizens can know what our vision is and hold all local government officials accountable to achieve it. I look forward to completing the first step of these long term plans this fall as we work on the 5 year capital plan as part of our 2024 budget.
Council Ward 3
John M. Baranek
Education: MBA-Business Administration; Bachelor in Business Administration - Accounting
Training/Experience: Certified Public Accountant - Ohio
Why are you the best candidate for the office? I have 24 years of experience as Stow's elected Director of Finance, where I worked hard to move Stow forward during difficult financial times by being fiscally responsible, responsive to the City's needs, and respectful to all residents and the business community. I want to continue to serve the City of Stow as an elected member of City Council representing all of the residents of Ward 3. I believe my proven record of dedication to the best interest of the City of Stow will benefit the residents of Ward 3 along with the entire Stow Community. I will continue to work with the other City Council members, City Administration, and residents to move the City of Stow in a responsible positive manner that will benefit all residents of Stow and its business community.
What is your vision for economic development of your community over the next 10 years? Over the next ten years, Stow needs to continue to move forward in a positive manner to develop a strong economic development not only to retain its current businesses, but also create a framework to expand its variety of businesses, both commercially and in the manufacturing areas. By accomplishing a controlled and comprehensive economic development plan for businesses in the community, the City will be able to provide the current services for its residents while responsibly expanding its service offerings in parks, recreation, water and storm water services that it currently offers. Additionally, I would make myself available to work with the school district to provide and maintain an excellent education system for the young adults and children in the community. With the expanded business environment, Police, Fire, and EMS support will be a necessary component to keep all residents safe and secure.
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 facing the Stow Community is maintaining its current and future residential service needs in the areas of safety, security, and infrastructure needs (roads, water system enhancements and continued storm water management). The City needs to develop a short term and long term strategic plan to address these needs. This can be done with flexible financial and capital plans that should be reviewed annually to prioritize projects and services in a fiscally sound methods without affecting the residents abilities to provide for their families needs and expectations. City Council needs to become more open-minded to collaborate with other government agencies and organizations to provide its residents with adequate services and events that will make Stow a better community that residents want to continue to live in. I would work diligently to make City Council and the Administration more transparent to all the residents that they serve.
Brian Lowdermilk
Candidate did not respond
City of Stow Council, Ward 4
Mario Fiocca
Education: Bachelor's Degree-2008/MBA-2014
Training/Experience: Stow Planning Commission/Stow Parks Board
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fioccaforstow
Why are you the best candidate for the office? During my time as councilman, I have spoken with many residents and walked the ward numerous times, and this has allowed me to see issues and there impacts firsthand. I want to continue to use those experiences to help solve problems and improve the day-to-day lives of members of our community.
What is your vision for economic development of your community over the next 10 years? A strong tax base ensures that Stow residents continue to receive the city services they are receiving today. Stow is a welcoming community to new and old businesses. We have seen several businesses relocate to Stow due to this positive environment. The focus should be to continue this trend and hopefully see continued business relocation to the city. A good example would be the continued development in the northwest area of Stow around Route 8. This development has continued to see the expansion of businesses and employment opportunities within the city. This type of positive impact is what the city needs to continue to focus on achieving elsewhere over the next decade.
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? Stormwater issues are a concern that continues to impact our community. I believe that stronger stormwater management measures are needed to help continue to address this issue. Stow has grown over the past few decades, but our stormwater improvements have lagged. There needs to be a more proactive focus on mitigating stormwater issues by replacing failing infrastructure and identifying and addressing problem areas in the city.
Jared Miller
Education: Kent State University
Training/Experience: Business and Real Estate Management
Why are you the best candidate for the office? Not say that anyone running is the best candidate! but I'll say this, I will be here to administer and support the city employees and residents to the best of my ability.
What is your vision for economic development of your community over the next 10 years? I would like to see the updating of our codes and ordinances to decrease barriers for new businesses. I would like to address our business corridor, as we all know we don't have a true Main Street or Downtown Stow this gives us a little more challenge in this area. I would like feedback from the community to truly concrete the vision of our community as a whole. Where do we want to go in the next 10 years?
What are the most significant issues facing your community and what ideas do you have to address these issues? I feel that there's a lot of significant issues that are facing our community, the ones that stand out that residents have brought to me are, supporting our workforce base, street repair, water retention\flooding, services for our seniors. How do I plan on addressing these issues, one step at a time!
Stow/Munroe Falls Board of Education
Vote for no more than 3.
Nancy Brown
Education: Master’s Degree in Communication and Public Relations
Training/Experience: Admissions Director, Small business owner
Facebook: Facebook.com/BrownSMF
Describe the role of a local school board member and share why you are the best person to fill this role. Board members serve as trustees of the public’s money to make sure the school district is running efficiently, professionally and responsibly. We oversee our two employees, the superintendent and treasurer, and hold them accountable for have strong leadership and strategic planning for a sustainable future. We also oversee policy and ensure our schools are safe and welcoming for all students and staff. I am the most senior member of our Board and have served as its president for the past 14 months. I truly understand the importance of our role and how “things work.”
What do you think are the top three issues in public education? 1. Universal vouchers and the potentially harmful effects on funding of public schools. 2. Overall wellness - mental, physical and emotional, leading to potentially harmful behaviors such as bullying. 3. Attempts to control the curriculum through book bans and sanitizing history.
Education has become the target for hot-topic issues. What skills do you have for constructive responses to controversy? The most important thing to do is listen to understand what is behind the issue being raised. I don’t have to agree in order to be respectful of a person’s position! My job is to see the big picture - our whole student body - and make sure the greater good is being served.
Are there unmet educational needs that you feel need to be addressed and what are they? A recent study found that only 26% of Americans understood how our government is organized. How can we expect our citizens to be responsible, educated voters in a functional democracy if they don’t understand how it works?
What policies will you support or oppose to protect our schools from violence? I support policies that address bullying not just from a disciplinary standpoint, but also from a holistic, wellness point of view. If we only address the behavior the cause will fester and either repeat itself or manifest in another form. I am firmly against arming teachers for the same reason I am against school resource officers teaching math; it’s not their job. The teachers in Stow -Munroe Falls are overwhelmingly opposed to it and so am I.
Mike Daniels
Candidate did not respond
Mike Sheehan
Education: BS in Education Indiana University Bloomington
Training/Experience: 3 years High School Teacher, 30 years self-employed Retirement and Income Agent
Describe the role of a local school board member and share why you are the best person to fill this role. The role of a school board member is to be a mentor and an advisor. Someone to hold the administration and school staff accountable to provide the best learning environment for the children and young adults. Over my life, I have had experience in all of these areas from being a parent, school teacher, coach, and independent business owner.
What do you think are the top three issues in public education? 1. Academics 2. Parents Rights 3. Taxes
Education has become the target for hot-topic issues. What skills do you have for constructive responses to controversy? These hot-topic issues need to be heard and respected but they need to be held in check and not be used to take away from a student's opportunity to learn in a positive environment.
Are there unmet educational needs that you feel need to be addressed and what are they? Academics enhanced by advancing civics, geography, and foreign language (starting in 2nd grade) and a focus on non-bias critical thinking and problem-solving
What policies will you support or oppose to protect our schools from violence? Support armed police officers and have unscheduled canine patrols before and while students enter the building.
Kari Suhadolnik
Education: Cuyahoga Falls High School
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KariForStow/
Describe the role of a local school board member and share why you are the best person to fill this role. The school board is a policymaking body that is tasked with overseeing the treasurer and superintendent. The goal of the board is to work closely with them to create policy, adjudicate disputes, keep the district fiscally healthy, and establish long term vision and goals for the district. A good board member should be a staunch believer in public school and a positive liaison between the district and the community. I am best suited to continue serving on the school board because of my long history of public service and putting others over self. I have a proven track record on the school board and my 4 years on the facilities master planning committee gives me the background needed to make educated decisions over these critical next years. It's important that the board is composed of people with experience you can trust. I have accomplished a great deal on the board and I am proud to be endorsed by Mayor John Pribonic.
What do you think are the top three issues in public education? The top three issues facing public education today are navigating funding issues, the shortage of educators and support staff, and maintaining a safe and secure environment for all students.
Education has become the target for hot-topic issues. What skills do you have for constructive responses to controversy? It's important to keep the focus on student success. I believe that no matter the issue, the school board must remember to put children first. I welcome and encourage parents to be present and engaged in their children's education. As a parent of four who has been active in my kid's schools for the last 17 years, I am well versed in navigating contentious situations and working for positive outcomes. I tend to ask a lot of questions and like to educate myself before forming opinions and I am always open to changing my mind when presented with new information. There are no discussions that I am unwilling to have and during my time on the board I already have experience dealing with controversial topics.
Are there unmet educational needs that you feel need to be addressed and what are they? I do feel there are potential gaps in educational needs for vulnerable youth. It's critical to identify students who face barriers and challenges in receiving quality education in order to improve outcomes. Investing in community partnerships to improve accessibility of resources is an important step in bridging the gap. Public school is about more than just reading, writing, and arithmetic: it is also about safety, security, and physical and mental health. Children who are hungry, tired, or bullied can’t learn to their best potential. Teachers and administrators can't give their best to students if they are not well supported and respected.
What policies will you support or oppose to protect our schools from violence? As a member of the district safety and security committee and the district policy committee, this is a topic that is of the utmost importance to me. We are currently working on re-training staff on emergency response protocol and have acquired grants to invest in additional equipment to keep our buildings safer. We regularly meet with local law enforcement and first responders to make sure that the schools are functioning as safely as possible. I would also support additional school-based violence protection programs.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Stow Voter Guide: Meet candidates for City Council, school board
