STRONGSVILLE, Ohio -- Three incumbents and one challenger are running for three seats on City Council this fall.
The incumbents are Jim Carbone, Joseph DeMio and Kelly Kosek. The challenger is Erin Lally, a former member of the Ohio House of Representatives.
A fifth candidate, Amy Casner, has withdrawn from the race, although her name will still appear on the ballot. Casner told cleveland.com last week that she has moved out of Strongsville to Columbus.
The election is Nov. 2. Early voting starts Oct. 5. The top three vote-getters will win four-year terms on council.
The four candidates are running for at-large council positions, meaning they will represent the entire city, not any particular ward or section.
Kosek is now in the middle of a four-year council term representing Strongsville’s Ward 3. If she loses the election in November, she would retain her Ward 3 seat for another two years. If she wins an at-large seat in November, council will have to appoint a replacement to finish her term in Ward 3.
Carbone and DeMio are both at-large councilmen already, so to stay on council, they must win in November.
Here are profiles and photos of each candidate, although Carbone did not submit a photo as requested.
The race is nonpartisan, meaning the candidates are running without partisan labels. However, their political affiliations are included here to provide additional background for voters.
Candidate: Jim Carbone
Age: 49
Address: Did not provide
Occupation: Police officer and school resource officer, City of North Olmsted and North Olmsted City Schools, respectively
Prior elected office or campaign: Elected Ward 3 Strongsville city councilman 2011; re-elected 2015; elected to Strongsville council at-large 2017
Education: “I attended Cuyahoga Community College and The University of Toledo studying criminal justice. I entered the police academy in 1994.”
Family: Wife, Alison Zamiska Carbone; children Michael, Lucia and Dominic
Political party: Republican
Why are you running? “I am running for re-election for councilman-at-large to continue to be a great voice for the citizens of Strongsville. I have enjoyed working alongside residents to try to help resolve issues in their homes and in their neighborhoods. We have a wonderful city, and I am seeking re-election for another four years to continue my efforts to ‘Make Strongsville even stronger.’
“I believe this can be accomplished by the following:
· Continuing to work alongside our administration to assure we stay on top of our current efforts of keeping water out of the homes of our residents and the re-pavement and replacement of residential streets.
· Working together to develop a destination area to include many amenities for residents of all ages.
· Supporting the redevelopment of the (SouthPark Mall) area to assure a safe and thriving area to frequent for our residents and visitors.
· Developing a plan to make our community more walkable.
· Remaining fiscally responsible.
· Devising a realistic plan to remedy our traffic issues and explore making intersections more efficient and safer. Continuing to fight for one possible solution, being a partial ramp at Boston Road and (Interstate) 71.
· Protecting our green space with a solid plan for new projects to have to add the appropriate number of trees and landscape.
“All these issues listed are important and may mean more to one resident over the other. My promise to you is to always be your voice and with your vote, I will be able to extend my promise another four years.”
Candidate website: None provided
Candidate: Joseph DeMio
Age: 57
Address: 19954 Abigail Lane
Occupation: Bailiff, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court
Prior elected office or campaign: Served as a Strongsville ward councilman 1996-1998; first elected to Strongsville council at-large position 1999
Education: Associate degree in business and marketing, Cuyahoga Community College
Family: Wife, Marie; daughter Haleah, 24, and son Jake, 27
Political party: Democrat
Why are you running? “As an experienced Strongsville councilman-at-large, I have the immense pleasure of serving the residents of Strongsville. With my knowledge and experience, I understand that it takes hard work, dedication and perseverance to make this community the best place to live, work and raise a family.
“The residents of Strongsville deserve a representative who listens to their concerns, suggestions and opinions and works as hard as they do to represent them and their values. I am proud of my record on council, having never missed a single legislative vote and always putting the concerns of my constituents first and foremost.
“I value the trust the community has in me and their confidence in my representation. I am running for re-election to council-at-large and I assure that if I am re-elected, the people of Strongsville will continue to be heard and that they can count on me as their councilman-at-large.”
Candidate website: facebook.com/4JoeDeMioCouncilatLarge/
Candidate: Kelly Kosek
Age: 44
Address: 12542 Coopers Run
Occupation: Attorney and partner at Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP, a Cleveland law firm
Prior elected office or campaign: Ran unsuccessfully for Strongsville at-large council position 2017; appointed Ward 3 councilwoman January 2018; elected Ward 3 councilwoman November 2019
Education: Bachelor’s degree in history and political science, Allegheny College, Meadville, Pa; law degree, William and Mary Law School, Williamsburg, Va.
Family: Husband, Jason; sons Sawyer, 10, and Beckett, 6
Political party: Democrat
Why are you running? “I am running for council-at-large to put residents first by focusing on amenities, addressing infrastructure issues and solving problems while building consensus on council.
“As a councilwoman, I have responded to the overwhelming need for more amenities for residents. In 2018, my call for an ADA-compliant playground led the city to build the Surrarrer playground. I also spearheaded the free Outdoor Movie Nights, which helps build community.
“Due to my leadership, Strongsville recently announced plans to build a brand-new playground at the (recreation) center, refurbish Castletown Park and update the town center with walkways and signage as phase one of the town center improvement plan.
“At my behest, Strongsville seniors will be able to use Silver Sneakers at the rec center for the first time this fall. Plus, the tennis courts have been rehabilitated for tennis and pickleball.
“As to infrastructure, I secured the administration’s commitment to replace outdated storm sewers on Prospect to alleviate four decades of residential flooding. I’ve also prioritized paving roads and addressing traffic issues.
“Residents deserve a councilwoman who will solve problems and build consensus on council. For example, the mayor and council collaborated to lead Strongsville during the 2020 pandemic and financial crisis to maintain the city’s AAA bond rating.
“I understand that Strongsville residents want more green space, less traffic and more family amenities. I am running to represent Strongsville residents and ensure that Strongsville addresses our residents’ wishes. By working together, we can ensure that Strongsville continues to be a premier city.”
Candidate website: kellykosek.com; On Facebook as @KosekforCouncil
Candidate: Erin Lally
Age: 55
Address: 16187 Drake Road
Occupation: Director, Donna Smallwood Senior Center, City of Parma; mayor’s assistant, City of Parma Heights; self-employed graphic designer
Prior elected office or campaign: Appointed to Ohio House of Representatives, 18th District, June 1998; elected to Ohio House 18th District November 1998 and 2000 (as a Democrat); applied unsuccessfully to vacant Strongsville City Council Ward 2 seat January 2018
Education: Bachelor’s degree in English, Ohio University; graphic design certification, Polaris Career Center, Middleburg Heights
Family: Husband, Francis; children Francis, 20, Mary, 19, Colleen, 17, Liam, 15, and Cormac, 14
Political party: Independent; last voted as a Democrat in 2015, according to Cuyahoga County Board of Elections
Why are you running? “I am passionate about local government because it is what I do for a living, and I am prepared to bring my experience and skills to the city that I live in and love. Keeping taxes low, providing quality services and economic development opportunities for businesses are essential and contribute to strong, safe neighborhoods and schools.
“The city of Strongsville is financially healthy. The rec center will be paid off this year and our business parks are thriving. With our AAA bond rating, now is not the time to raise municipal taxes on our residents and business owners.
“Strategic investments with tax dollars and federal stimulus monies in infrastructure projects and upgrades to our public facilities is wise. It is financially prudent to have vision and invest in long-term planning, as well as to secure funding for much-in-demand walkways, trails and bike paths.
“Strong working relationships with our community partners makes Strongsville even stronger. I would like to partner with the city administration, Cleveland Metroparks, The Trust for Public Land and the National Trails Park and Recreation District to connect as many of our neighborhoods with our rec parks and Metroparks as possible.
“I would be honored to represent our residents on City Council.”
Candidate website: rallywithlally.com
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