Attention Hambden Voters
It has come to my attention that we made an error in presenting the race for Hambden Township Trustee – Unexpired Term. It was our understanding that only one seat is available when, in fact, two seats are available.
Voters will select two individuals from a pool of three candidates that includes David Johnson, Bob Kandra and Catherine Wolcott.
Online versions of our voter guide have been updated and we will offer a correction during the Oct. 5 Candidate Forum at Chardon Middle School.
We sincerely apologize for the mistake.
Shelly Lewis
President & Voter Service Chair
League of Women Voters of Geauga
Kinter Cares!
As a 35-year resident of Munson Township I have been to close to 200 town hall meetings. Our township is broken. It needs to be more transparent.
Munson Township residents pay the trustees with their taxes, yet in most cases the trustees refuse to answer questions presented by some of its residents. This is not right. Glenn Kinter will answer questions and, if he doesn’t know the answer, he will work toward providing you with one. He will fix what needs fixing . . . because Kinter cares!
Our road department needs at least three new trucks. The three trucks being used now, most likely, would not pass inspection, making road work and snow plowing not only dangerous for the road crew, but it also makes it dangerous for the residents and anyone else traveling Munson Township roads. Glenn Kinter knows about priorities and will work on a plan with the road department to buy new trucks for our road crew.
Glenn Kinter will work with the residents when it comes to transparency. He will not give you the “silent treatment.” He will be respectful when you speak by looking at you and listening to you . . . because Kinter cares!
Kinter will save the taxpayers $35,000 per year by not accepting health insurance through the township . . . because Kinter cares!
With a rapidly growing Munson Township community, Glenn Kinter will work with the fire department to make sure Munson Fire Dept., Inc. is staffed with medics on all shifts. He will work hard with the fire department to make sure they have the equipment they need. Kinter will work hard to provide Munson Township with the best professional, educated and caring fire and EMS service . . . because Kinter cares!
When it comes to safety, I have personally witnessed Glenn Kinter fight hard and successfully to make Munson Township a safer place to live. He doesn’t give up . . . because Kinter cares!
Glenn Kinter is not a politician. He is a humble, caring, down-to-earth resident of Munson Township. He truly cares about you and me the residents of Munson Township, just like Trustee Andy Bushman does. So, if you like Andy Bushman, you will like Glenn Kinter . . . because, like Andy, Kinter cares!
Please vote for Glenn Kinter for Munson Township Trustee . . . because, honestly, Kinter cares!
Sandi Ferlin
Munson Township
West G Incumbents Made Bad Financial Decisions
The West Geauga School Board election this November will be very important.
The school board held a public meeting on Sept. 20 where they discussed new construction and renovations projected to cost more than $100 million. This would be a huge expenditure and would be financed primarily by a bond issue. It is critical we have the right school board members in place to guide this process.
I urge you to not vote for any of the three incumbents running for school board: William Beers, Ben Kotowski and Kathy Leavenworth. My recommendation is based on the current board’s actions on the former Newbury Intermediate School.
I am a retired CPA and worked as a member of William Skomrock’s Task Force to look at the feasibility of acquiring the former Newbury School property. Over two years I prepared financial projections, reviewed investigative reports commissioned by the West Geauga School Board and the Newbury Township Trustees, and attended and actively participated in over 75 meetings of the Task Force, Newbury Township Trustees and West Geauga School Board.
In my opinion, the incumbents mentioned above exercised poor judgement, a lack of financial expertise and a lack of transparency when they decided to demolish the Newbury Intermediate School and Auditorium. This was a viable building that could have served as a community center for Newbury residents and a cultural center for central Geauga County. They made this decision before Newbury residents had a chance to vote on funding for the property.
In addition, by spending money to demolish the building, they spent money that could have been spent on education for the whole district.
In my opinion, these incumbent board members made bad financial decisions on a $3 million building. Does it make any sense to let this group make decisions on a $100 million project?
You may agree or disagree with how these individuals dealt with pandemic issues such as masking, but you should not overlook their lack of financial responsibility, resulting in waste and missed opportunities.
I urge you to vote for the best three of the five new candidates for West Geauga School Board: Aaron Fleisch, Mark R. Hederstrom, Pam Claypool, Benito A Alvarez and Kate Mitchell.
Dave Gifford
Newbury Township
Support our Vital Township Services
In today’s world, some people view police officers as part of the problem, not part of the solution. A visible police presence is key to maintaining safety and security in any community. Timely response by our Chester Fire/EMS helps save lives. Chester Township has a long history of strong support for our Fire and Police Departments, and once again they are asking for our support.
There are two levies on the ballot for our Fire Department this fall. These are renewal levies and will not increase taxes. Passage as continuing levies is important to stabilize funding for current operations and helps with recruitment and retention.
A 1.5-mil continuing levy for new money for our Police Department is also on the ballot. If this levy passes, a 0.5-mil levy passed several years ago will expire and not be renewed. The new levy is for funding current operations and will cost $53 per $100,000 of market value. For a $300,000 home, that is less than $15 per month — a good value to maintain the safety of our community in these challenging times.
The business model for emergency services is changing across the country. Fewer people are joining the fire and police service as careers, and more communities are competing for a smaller pool of personnel. Stabilizing funding supports our dedicated professionals who work every day to ensure our township’s safety and welfare.
I ask that you please consider supporting these critical levies.
Ken Radtke Jr.
Chester Township
Kandra has Earned Our Vote
Dear residents of Hambden Township, I am writing this letter to extend my support for the election of Mr. Robert “Bob” Kandra for the upcoming vacancy of trustee.
As a member of our community, and currently serving as a trustee for Hambden Township, he has proven to be a responsible servant to his constituents.
Following his position on our Hambden Township Zoning Board, Bob moved into a Hambden Trustee position in June of this year. This followed a commemorative 30-year career in the federal government, retiring from the Senior Executive Service in 2012. His service was marked by extensive experience in fiscal and planning issues. As a result, Bob brings a wealth of knowledge and a keen strategic perspective that has already and will continue to benefit our community.
During his tenure, Bob has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a deep understanding of the needs in our township. His approach to governance is characterized by a needed combination of fiscal responsibility, visionary planning and genuine concern for the well-being of our residents. This includes a steadfast commitment to responsible management, ensuring that essential services are delivered efficiently and effectively.
One of Bob’s notable achievements has been his recent work and success in obtaining a $20,000 federal grant for the Hambden Fire Department to cover COVID-related personnel expenses.
Mr. Kandra’s proactive stance on community development has been instrumental in fostering a thriving environment for both residents and businesses. This includes work to identify locally eligible recipient organizations for State of Ohio Opioid Relief funds.
Furthermore, his advocacy for strategic initiatives, such as enhancing public spaces, improving recreational facilities, and supporting local businesses, has contributed to the overall quality of life in Hambden Township.
Mr. Kandra is known for his accessibility and willingness to engage with residents. He actively seeks feedback and input from the community, ensuring their concerns and aspirations are heard and addressed. This open and inclusive approach to governance has forged a strong bond of trust between him and the people he serves.
In addition to his role as a trustee, Mr. Kandra has been an avid supporter of various charitable and community-based initiatives. His involvement in local events and organizations underscores his genuine dedication to the betterment of Hambden Township.
While “retired,” he is also a local substitute K-12 teacher, a member of the Weslaco Sportsman’s Club and a part-time employee at the Grand River Range for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
In summary, I fully endorse Bob Kandra for the upcoming election of trustee for Hambden Township. His unwavering dedication, leadership and genuine concern for the welfare of our community has had and will continue to have a positive and lasting impact on our residents. I am confident that Bob will continue to be an invaluable asset to Hambden Township. He has earned our vote.
Eric Wachob
Hambden Township
Munson Needs Glenn Kinter
I met Glenn Kinter at an accident site a couple years ago at Fowlers Mill and Sherman. It’s always been an accident prone intersection. We talked while the accident was being cleared and discussed how things could be better at that intersection. We both began to attend the trustees meetings and he was very vocal about things that would improve that intersection. His suggestions were applied and only one accident has occurred since.
I attend most of the meetings and he is always there with questions and great suggestions. Very few Munson residents do attend, but he has always been there, paying close attention.
As a 45-year Munson resident, I will tell you, Glenn Kinter is someone our township needs for trustee. I’ve been to his home up the street and met his lovely wife, Marcia. Such smart and kind human beings. He’s involved for a better Munson Township.
He has my vote and many others due to his continued participation and the excellent relationship he has formed with our road department, fire and EMS crews. They respect him and his positive encouragement and input.
We do have a great crew here in Munson Township and we need Glenn Kinter as a permanent fixture by voting for him as our new trustee. He is someone who will also work hard to save this township money and we all need that.
Carol Maver
Munson Township
