Election 2023: John Patriarca, Jim Teknipp vie for Concord Township fiscal officer

Sep. 26—Challenger John Patriarca and incumbent Jim Teknipp are vying for a four-year term as Concord Township's fiscal officer in the Nov. 7 general election.

The term will begin on April 1. Township Administrator Andy Rose added that the fiscal officer salary will be $34,473 in 2024.

Teknipp has served in the role since Dec. 2, 2022. He was appointed by the township trustees following the death of former Fiscal Officer Amy Dawson.

Meanwhile, incumbent Trustee Morgan McIntosh is running for re-election unopposed. The four-year term will begin on Jan. 1.

He was first elected as a trustee in 2019. The trustee salary will be $25,162 in 2024, Rose added.

There were 15,067 registered voters in the township as of Sept. 26, according to the Lake County Elections Board.

Here are some of the responses provided by the fiscal officer candidates to a questionnaire sent by The News-Herald:

John Patriarca

If elected, Patriarca said that he would work to provide "accountability and transparency from the fiscal office."

He also referenced his "15-plus years of working directly with local businesses and individual taxpayers."

"I believe the past 37 years of being a Lake County citizen and over a decade of experience operating a family-owned accounting practice in Painesville Township has positioned me as the strongest candidate for Concord Township fiscal officer," Patriarca added. "As Concord Township continues to grow and evolve, we are in need of youthful leadership that has the ability to face new challenges while maintaining the character and integrity of the storied history in Concord Township."

Jim Teknipp

If elected, one of Teknipp's areas of focus would be to protect township assets "with prudent financial management."

He also aims to fund the township's safety services "with grants and other appropriate funding sources" and work with other township officials and the Concord-Painesville Joint Economic Development District to "effectively enhance economic development and planning."

"As the incumbent fiscal officer, along with my local government financial experience, I firmly believe I am well suited to continue as Concord Township fiscal officer," Teknipp said. "Your vote of confidence in the November election will enable me to continue providing Concord residents with trustworthy financial guidance during these uncertain economic times."