North Olmsted is about to have the most dynamic election I’ve seen in 28 years. So, let me add a little perspective to the choices you will have to make.
First, City Council: A good city council is balanced with diversity and alternative thinking. Alternatives and constructive debate always bring forth the best solutions. Therefore, I suggest supporting incumbent Mary Ellen Hemann in Ward 4 and incumbent Chris Glassburn in Ward 2.
Chris has been a proactive problem solver for the past four years. He and Mary Ellen, along with the at-large council members, will continue to bring experience and consistency to a council that will have two new ward members and, hopefully, newcomer Aaron Campbell as president.
As for the mayor: North Olmsted is a major retail, commercial and business community. North Olmsted relies heavily on local business tax revenue to maintain the level of services we enjoy. Recently, we have been through some tough times.
Having been on council in Fairview Park and now, actively watching North Olmsted, I can assure you that a city’s single most costly expense is its workforce and the jobs they perform. So, first and foremost, a mayor must create an atmosphere of teamwork and trust.
Mayor Kevin Kennedy has done that. Putting substance over form, cutting costs at the top and sometimes doubling up on the administrative functions is how Kennedy has managed to maintain our level of city services during recent tough times.
While other cities have been asking residents to pay more taxes or tacking on additional fees, such as for garbage collection, Kennedy is getting the job done working with what he has.
Therefore, politics and personalities aside, Kennedy deserves to be re-elected.
Thank you for considering all that I’ve said.
Dennis Lambert,
North Olmsted
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