Election 2023: Two vie for mayor of Willowick

Marah Morrison, The News-Herald, Willoughby, Ohio
·2 min read

Oct. 7—Vying for Willowick mayor in this year's November general election are Joseph P. Shriver and Michael Vanni, the city's current mayor.

The two candidates are running for a four-year term beginning Jan. 1. The mayor will receive $60,000 per year.

There are currently 9,639 registered voters in Willowick eligible to cast ballots.

Here are some of the answers the candidates provided in response to questionnaires sent to them by The News-Herald:

Joseph Shriver

Should Shriver be elected as Willowick mayor, he said there are several areas that require attention in the community. Among the areas are infrastructure, promotion of the city's first responders and improvement in quality of life for senior citizens.

"In regard to our sewers and infrastructure, I will apply for grants and seek funds from the federal government, Ohio, the county commissioners and the county engineer to address these issues," he said. "As safety director, I will propose a budget that will properly support and equip our first responders."

Additionally, Shriver has plans to work with the Willoughby-Eastlake School Board to provide a school resource officer in the schools to protect children.

For seniors, he plans to promote, coordinate and expand the Hearts and Hammers program to help seniors with daily challenges around their property and in their home.

"I am ready to represent our city, protect our families and bring back that old city charm we once had," Shriver said.

Michael Vanni

Vanni said he will continue to work to improve the city's roads and sewers should he be re-elected mayor.

"We have made a lot of progress over the years, but there is a lot of work to do," he said. "Since becoming mayor, we have secured funding of just under $1.2 million in sewer rehabilitation projects and $2 million for a significant road improvement project. I will continue to work with local, county, state and federal officials to obtain more grants, and funding for future projects."

Vanni also plans to continue to attract new businesses to the city and is looking to build new municipal buildings, including a fire and police department. He also has a goal for City Hall to be located and part of a lakefront development plan to include more public access to the lake for residents.

"I am fully invested in this community having been a resident since 1987, which I believe is reflective in my record," Vanni said.