Newest member of Fairlawn City Council plans to stay the course, for now
Fairlawn Council's newest member isn't planning on proposing any major changes in the near future.
Jonathan Groza, who was appointed by the Council to fill the unexpired at-large term of Russell Sharnsky, who in turn was sworn in as Fairlawn's new mayor after William Roth retired in December.
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His first priority, Groza said, was to listen and observe.
"I don't have major goals," he said of the immediate future. "I just want to see the continuity of the current administration continue, ensure a smooth transition."
While Groza may be new to City Council, he is not new to Fairlawn's government. Previously, he volunteered on the city's Civil Service Commission in 2013 and Fairlawn's Community Improvement Corporation since 2020.
"I felt it was the right time," Groza said of his decision to apply for the unexpired term. "I've lived here since 2007. I wanted to make sure we continued to provide the services to the good citizens of Fairlawn. There are so many opportunities here to work, play and live."
Groza said that he has stepped down from the Civil Service Commission but will remain on the Community Improvement Corporation. He added that he planned to run for a full term in November 2023. The current term expires Dec. 31, 2023.
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Once he gets acclimated to his newest city position, Groza said he would like to encourage stronger public safety, particularly in the schools.
"I have an 8-year-old child in the Copley-Fairlawn schools," he said. "So, it's important to me that the schools are safe." Groza added that he is married and also has two adult children.
Another long-term goal would be to expand the offerings available in the parks and recreation department.
"I know we do a really good job," he said. "I know we have our Fourth of July activities and music on the weekends. I'd like to see us offer more throughout the year."
Groza said he also would like to see Fairlawn investigate sustainability and reducing the city's carbon footprint.
Ward 2 Councilwoman Barbara Potts also was recently named Council president, and Kathleen Baum, the Ward 6 representative, was named vice president.
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Reporter April Helms can be reached at ahelms@thebeaconjournal.com
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Maintaining services priority for Fairlawn's newest councilman
