Voter Guide: 4 seats on Summit County Council up for election

Welcome to the 2022 Voter Guide produced by the League of Women Voters and Akron Beacon Journal with funding from the Knight Foundation.

There are two races for Summit County Council on the Nov. 8 ballot, a six-way race for three at-large seats for full terms and a two-candidate race for an unexpired term in District 6 ending in 2024. District 6 includes southeast Akron and Tallmadge.

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.

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2022 Election: Summit County Voter Guide

County Council District 6

Nick DeVitis

Party: Republican

Candidate did not respond.

Christine Wiedie Higham

Education: I am a graduate of Tallmadge High School, received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Kent State University and master’s degree in business administration from Tiffin University.

Training/Experience: Since 2015, I have been with Mustard Seed Market and Café, a locally owned and operated business, as their Director of Human Resources and Administration. Prior to that, I served as Deputy Director of Human Resources for the late County Executive Russ Pry. I began my professional career in Columbus, where I worked for the Ohio House of Representatives. After returning to Summit County, I spent ten years in social services both in client services and administrative roles. I serve my community through current and past involvement in numerous organizations including: Rotary Club of Tallmadge, Past President; First Congregational Church of Tallmadge, Christian Education Committee; Akron Area Society of Human Resource Management; Tallmadge Little League Softball Board, Secretary; Summit County Planning Commission; and Akron Summit County Convention and Visitors Bureau. I served as Tallmadge Civil Service, Commissioner; Project Learn, Board Member; East Akron Board of Trade, Secretary; Akron Boards of Trade Council, Treasurer; Get Out the Vote Committee, Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Service Levy, Co-Chair. I currently serve on Summit County Council and the following committees Personnel and Intergovernmental, Chair; Planning, Building and Economic Development, Vice Chair; Finance and Rules.

Current Occupation: Director of Human Resources, Mustard Seed Market and Cafe

Website: electhigham.com

Facebook: Councilwoman Christine Wiedie Higham

Why are you the best candidate for the office? I am the best candidate because I worked in social services for 10 years, spent over 10 years working in state, county and local government and currently work for Mustard Seed Market and Café, a locally owned, family business as their Director of Human Resources. I understand and can address the issues impacting our community from a variety of perspectives. As an HR professional, my job is to connect people to the resources they need. As your County Council representative, I am here to guide, assist and answer questions about our Summit County government. I am passionate about service whether it is Rotary Club, Little League, my church or the variety of other projects I’ve been involved with over my lifetime. As your County Council representative, I will take that same passion to serving your needs and to fight for what is best for our community.

What solutions do you propose to address challenges in the healthcare system including maternal and child health? Women and children need access to quality health care. Better health care for women of childbearing age means better health for their children. The County must continue to work with and support Summit County Public Health and other partner programs, on initiatives and education to improve maternal health and reduce stigmas associated with it, including reducing maternal depression. Additionally, we can continue to promote collaborative initiatives like the Full Term First Birthday Greater Akron that promote healthy full-term pregnancies and work to reduce infant mortality rates.

What do you see as the greatest need for Summit County infrastructure spending? Summit County Council recently authorized the County Executive to enter into a council of governments agreement to design and operate a 125-130 mile high-speed fiber optic ring, surrounding the County, as well as a data center. The investment in this infrastructure addresses challenges with internet access, affordability, and reliability as well as public safety needs throughout the County. Additionally, the County is working to secure federal funding for repairs and improvements to county-owned bridges and roads.

How will you ensure county government plays a role in helping residents obtain affordable housing in Summit County?The County has created programs using CARES Act funding to provide $56 million in rent, mortgage and utility assistance in every community in Summit County including Tallmadge and Akron. Summit County continues to provide that aid to individuals in need. The County is developing a first-time home buyer loan program that will be income and location dependent to target aid to those most in need. Additionally, we can continue to support initiatives for homeless veterans like Summit Liberty House in Akron which houses homeless female vets and their children.

County Council At-Large (elect 3)

Shane R. Barker

Party: Republican

Training/Experience: Retired Sheriff's Captain from the Summit County Sheriff's Office. During my career I was a commander in the Patrol Bureau and the Corrections Division. During my time at the Sheriff's Office, I learned and participated in many facets of county government. I was a member of state wide boards that represented Summit County to the entire state. I managed multi million dollar projects for upgrades to the Summit County Jail. I have also served as a member of the City of Macedonia Council for over nine years.

Education: Woodridge High School, Kent State University, American Flyers Professional Pilot Program, Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy.

Current Occupation: Retired Sheriff's Captain - Summit County Sheriff's Office

Why are you the best candidate for the office? Having served as a member of the Summit County Sheriff's Office and on the Macedonia City Council, I have learned the inner workings of local government. But more importantly, that local government can have a drastic and immediate impact on its citizenry. The decisions made by local government to fund or approve or not fund or approve a local project or program can and does impact a community for better or worse far faster than decisions made at the state or federal level. I think this is an important distinction. I live in the community and will be responsive to the citizens and their elected representation. I understand that Summit County is a large and diverse community. From Clinton to Reminderville to the larger communities in between of Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, and Barberton. Being an at large council person offers the best opportunity to help the most residents.

What solutions do you propose to address challenges in the healthcare system including maternal and child health? In the last two years, I have unfortunately come to understand the importance of the health care system. I just spent 36 days in the Cleveland Clinic Health Care System. This gave me a huge insight into the dedication of health care workers. Summit County is lucky to have so many great health care facilities. I would propose an ongoing committee be created by county council to address these issues. This committee would include members of the public, health care professionals, and community elected officials. Creating this committee would allow local representative's a better understanding of what our health care providers need to address maternal and child health care.

What do you see as the greatest need for Summit County infrastructure spending? I believe a major issue is storm water and sewage disposal. I know the county is currently looking into these issues internally and with other government entities which need to be continued and expanded upon. We also need to ensure that funds continue to be made available for county owned and maintained roads which also includes county owned snow removal equipment.

How will you ensure county government plays a role in helping residents obtain affordable housing in Summit County? I believe in direct communication. I would make it a point to attend local government meetings once a year (over 30 political subdivisions in Summit County) to hear their concerns on affordable housing among other issues they may have. I would also encourage those local leaders to address Summit County Council at the weekly meetings. Getting issues out in the open leads to better outcomes and solutions to any issue.

Anthony DeVitis

Party: Republican

Candidate did not respond.

Erin Dickinson

Party: Democrat

Training/Experience: Business Litigator for 9 years

Education: B.A, Vanderbilt University; J.D., University of Michigan School of Law

Current Occupation: Stay-at-home Parent; Summit County Councilwoman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DickinsonForSummitCounty

Why are you the best candidate for the office? Since I joined Council, I have been working hard to represent the people of Summit County with legislation that will make our County an even better place to live, work, and play. With nine years of experience as an attorney practicing business litigation, I have the professional knowledge to help manage our county. I have experience bringing together parties with conflicting interests, helping them reach mutually beneficial agreements. I am a leader who gets past politics to work to achieve shared goals for our community. As the only lawyer on Council, I have the expertise and training to craft effective, common-sense legislation. As a parent of young children, I also bring a fresh perspective to our work. Families deserve representation in our government from someone who understands firsthand what it is like to raise children today. I am active in our community and accessible to the people I represent. I am always listening and looking for ways to make our County even stronger.

What solutions do you propose to address challenges in the healthcare system including maternal and child health? Supporting families with young children is an issue dear to my heart, and it is critical for the future of our County. The first in Ohio to provide paid family leave to all parents, Summit County is a leader on this issue, but there is much we can do to continue to support healthy families. We must continue to invest the opiod settlement funds in particular into meaningful, evidence-based healthcare initiatives of all of our county offices. We need to address maternal and child health in particular by working with our communiy partners on an integrated approach, combining demand side interventions on the community level to improve women and their families' knowledge and supply side interventions, including across-the-board access to skilled, trained staff, and high quality care with necessary supplies.

What do you see as the greatest need for Summit County infrastructure spending? The greatest need for infrastructure spending at this time is broadband internet access for our communities. The pandemic revealed how deep the digital divide is. It is time that we ensure that every student, every educational institution, and every small business in Summit County has equal access to high-speed, affordable internet. so that our students and our businesses can compete in our increasingly digital world. I am proud to be a part of making this goal a reality through the County's broadband network project.

How will you ensure county government plays a role in helping residents obtain affordable housing in Summit County? As a member of the Executive Board of Community Legal Aid, I have seen how important access to affordable housing is to the people of our communities. County government has a critical role to play in continuing to invest in community partners that are doing the work on the ground to help our residents obtain affordable housing. The issue is not just providing affordable housing, however - it is keeping people in their homes once they have obtained them. Housing stability is critical to our families and communities - especially to minority women and children, who are most likely to be evicted and who suffer many associated adverse outcomes. Summit County has been a leader in Ohio throughout the pandemic in using federal funds responsibly through our rent and utility assistance programs to keep our residents in their homes. We must continue this good work and continue to partner with agencies that provide continuity of care.

John A. Donofrio

Party: Democrat

Training/Experience: Former County Treasurer, County Fiscal Officer, Current County Councilman At Large

Education: Attended Valencia Junior College Florida and Akron University

Current Occupation: Summit County Councilman At-Large

Website:www.waltersforohio/meet-the-team

Why are you the best candidate for the office? I believe my experience, background and knowledge of county government and its internal workings make me a strong candidate for re-election. I served as your elected Summit County Treasurer and Summit County Fiscal Officer for a combined total of over 32 years. I am currently serving as Summit County Councilman At Large for the past 8 years. I've received six national awards from the National Association of Counties for innovative programs. Served as President of the Ohio Treasurer's Association, State Director for the National Association of Treasurer and Finance Officers. Also served on the Summit County Budget Commission, Board of Revision and Internal Audit Committee. Currently Chairman of County Councils Finance Committee and serve on the Personnel and Intergovernmental Committee, Long Term Planning Committee and Public Works Committee. I've always had a strong willingness and desire to reach out to all taxpayers within our county to assist in anyway possible.

What solutions do you propose to address challenges in the healthcare system including maternal and child health? Summit County, through its collaborative partnerships with community agencies has historically invested significant dollars in programs to support maternal and child healthcare. The County spends approximately $1.5 million annually to cover health insurance claims for children in Summit County who do not have health care coverage and who's families earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid coverage. Summit County also runs a self-insured regionalized healthcare program for employees of local government agencies which provides significant funding for wellness visits and encourages early detection and screening for plan participants. Recently we also funded $2.5 million to support centering programs at Summa Hospital and Cleveland Clinic AGMC, to assist pregnant moms battling opiate addictions. I will continue to support and push for funding for programs such as those I've outlined.

What do you see as the greatest need for Summit County infrastructure spending? As a County we are investing heavily in several areas of crucial infrastructure. Summit County's capital improvements plan outlines the investment of $93 million in road and bridge improvements over the next 6 years, along with $203 million in regional sewer investments. Additionally the County plans to invest $19 million stormwater and water quality projects and nearly $75 million in middle mile broadband. This broadband investment is being designed to spur an additional $300 million in private sector investments to bring high speed fiber to every home and business in Summit County. These unique approaches to leveraging one time funding from our federal government are something that I have supported and will continue to push for.

How will you ensure county government plays a role in helping residents obtain affordable housing in Summit County? In 2020 County Council and the Executive established the Summit County Affordable Housing trust fund with the investment of $1 million. We are continuing to explore opportunities to add funds to this investment which is being managed by the Western Reserve Community Fund. We also continue to invest federal Home dollars into housing projects such as the Valor Home and Liberty House projects. As a councilman I have continued to look for new and unique ways to encourage investment in affordable housing and to push back on our state legislator when they consider punitive ways to dis-incentivize these types of investments as was previously proposed in the last state budget bill when a proposal to tax subsidized rental property at fmv seemed to gain some ground.

Elizabeth Walters

Party: Democrat

Training/Experience: Sitting County Council President; Liaison, Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro’s Council on Diversity and Inclusion; Advisory Council, United Way of Summit County’s Financial Empowerment Centers; Founder, Cuyahoga Valley Group; American Council of Young Political Leaders; Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio “2020 Women of Distinction”; Partner, Truman National Security Project; Grassroots Leader for the Obama-Biden Campaign, Congresswoman Betty Sutton, and We Are Ohio.

Education: Cuyahoga Falls High School Graduate; B.A., History, Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA; MPA, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH

Current Occupation: Summit County Councilmember, At-Large; First Woman Chair, Ohio Democratic Party

Website: http://waltersforohio.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lizmwalters

Twitter: twitter.com/lizmwalters

Why are you the best candidate for the office? I want Summit County to continue to be a great place to live, work, and play. County government provides an avenue to impact those spaces that families traverse every day. I am running for reelection to continue to fight for a strong local economy, support Summit County communities and families, and make smart investments for a brighter future for our residents. I work tirelessly to innovate with a collaborative spirit, while maintaining fiscal responsibility and keeping an open ear to the needs of our most vulnerable. Helping people is my passion and I am honored to be able to give back to the communities, neighborhoods, and people who make Summit County the best place to call home.

What solutions do you propose to address challenges in the healthcare system including maternal and child health?Through the limited powers county government holds over our healthcare system, I look for ways to support our families. I passed Paid Parental Leave, providing county employees financial security upon the birth, adoption, or tragic late-term loss of pregnancy. I supported a resolution opposed to 2018 changes in Title X federal fund allocation and will continue to fight for access to comprehensive family planning and related preventative health services, regardless of income or resources. I steered federal dollars towards all public schools to promote health and safety for our families throughout the pandemic. I allocated millions of dollars for opiate abatement. Through my work on the Racism as Public Health Crisis taskforce, we are leading the hard conversations to effect change and move towards a more antiracist and inclusive government that can improve the wellbeing of the entire Summit County community. I will continue to work for those who are most vulnerable in our community.

What do you see as the greatest need for Summit County infrastructure spending? On council, I supported a countywide investment expanding access to broadband internet, including the added hotspots and laptops for our senior community members. I worked to consolidate our dispatch system for more efficient emergency services while saving taxpayer money. WE must show critical support for community specific needs as we rerouted Akron Peninsula Road and repaired the Kungle Road Bridge. We restructured our sewer fees for more fair distribution of expenses. I will push hard on building out the Environmental Sustainability taskforce, making considerations for the expansion and repair of our infrastructure systems to ensure that the county is doing all that it can to mitigate climate change at the local level. We need to continue to invest in our people, by providing job training opportunities and continuing collaborative partnerships with organizations like the United Way, ACF, Chamber, Community Action, Legal Aid, Mustard Seed Housing, EANDC, and iPromise.

How will you ensure county government plays a role in helping residents obtain affordable housing in Summit County?Throughout the pandemic council supported over 7,000 families by allocating over $20 million keeping families in their homes and utilities turned on. I purported an appropriation to help start the first female veteran homeless shelter in collaboration with Veterans Stand Down. Summit County has declared intention to become an age-friendly community. We must continue to support our seniors by ensuring that there is affordable housing that fits their needs.

Maria E. Williams

Party: Republican

Candidate did not respond.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 2022 election: 8 candidates running for Summit County Council