What to know: Amber Johnson, Charlotte Whipkey, Mike Zita in 3-way race for Norton mayor
Norton voters will have three mayoral candidates to choose from in the Nov. 7 general election. The position is a part-time one in Norton, with the city administrator taking on most of the day-to-day operations.
Current Mayor Mike Zita is seeking another term in the city of about 11,500 residents.
He'll be facing City Councilwoman Charlotte Whipkey, a staunch critic of his administration; and Amber Johnson, a former city employee in the finance department.
Development a key issue in Norton
Zita's administration has brought new business and residential development to the city during his third term, but has faced criticism from some residents.
The Brookside Greens development has been a focus of concern from Whipkey, who believes the 488-unit residential project is too dense and clashes with surrounding neighborhoods. Johnson, too, has said she is disappointed with what was done with the former golf course.
A recent industrial development rejected by council also stirred opposition from neighbors of the proposal.
Rezoning for the project was rejected by council after residents expressed their concerns. Whipkey, on council, and Johnson, as a candidate, both opposed the plan.
Mike Zita, Charlotte Whipkey and Amber Johnson
Zita cites "proven professional leadership" in his campaign literature and a record that has led to three terms as he competes for a fourth.
In 2019, he won comfortably, with more than 59% of the vote. His share was 58% in 2015 and 57% in 2011. Before that, he served on City Council.
Whipkey brings her experience on council and a perspective shared by many longtime residents on the pace and type of change the city requires.
She has a reputation for asking hard questions at council meetings and pursuing answers over several sessions.
Johnson offers two decades of experience in the finance department and an in-depth knowledge of city finances.
For years, she ran the reports used by council to make financial decisions and said she has a better understanding of Norton finances than Zita and Whipkey.
Leave a message for Alan Ashworth at 330-996-3859 or email him at aashworth@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @newsalanbeaconj.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Norton voters have 3 mayoral candidates to choose from in election
