PLEASE NOTE:
- The final deadline for election letters for the NOVEMBER 4 GENERAL ELECTION will be OCTOBER 17 for publication in the OCTOBER 23 issue. Candidate endorsement letters will not be printed in the issue prior to the election.
- Letters from candidates in response to letters specifically critical of them will be accepted for publication in the immediate issue (OCTOBER 30) prior to the election date.
Brandon Davis for Chester Trustee
I am pleased to recommend Brandon Davis for Chester Township Trustee. I have known Brandon for 20 years and have worked with him numerous times on legislation. He has developed meaningful relationships in Chester Township and Geauga County that I know will serve his community well. I have seen him volunteer and lead non-profit organizations to great achievements. I have seen him engage with state and local government to create positive change and I have watched him build successful businesses. I also saw him serve as the Ohio Oil & Gas Commissioner, appointed by Gov. John Kasich and re-appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine.
In all those experiences, I have seen Brandon’s passion for service, Ohio and helping people. He is committed to getting things done and he is one of the hardest working people I know. I believe Brandon will serve the people of Chester Township with grace and integrity.
Please accept my highest recommendation of Brandon Davis. He is a leader of vision, integrity and resolve, and I am confident that he will continue to achieve great things in his career and for the community he serves.
If you would like to discuss Brandon’s credentials further, feel free to personally contact me at (614) 466-8056.
Thomas F. Patton
State Senator, District 24
Russell Twp. Needs a Strong New Trustee
One candidate stands above the others in this very important race. That candidate is Bryan Kostura.
Because Russell Township is facing many challenges with possibly two new trustees, it will need the most and best qualified candidate to be effective. Bryan’s experience as a prosecuting attorney, former councilman in South Russell and military reserve officer make him a natural leader for our community.
His gentle demeanor will bring a necessary balance when working with other trustees on difficult issues.
Hey, neighbors, vote for Bryan Kostura on Nov. 4. It’s important.
John Alan & Mary Jane Lafler
Russell Township
Mary Rensel FOR South Russell Council
We’ve been fortunate to call Mary Rensel a close friend for 20 years. Mary, quite simply, is a good person who cares. Mary is invested in everything she does. She doesn’t cut corners.
In addition to her important work as a neurologist at the Cleveland Clinic, Mary embodies the spirit of our community. Her four children all came through the Chagrin Falls school system and Mary was involved in helping make their experiences fulfilling and those of many other kids. Whether it was girl scouts, volunteering at local events, supporting youth sports or starting an annual toy drive to benefit a local hospital, Mary gets things done and does so in a way that motivates many of us to join her.
What sets Mary apart is her ability to listen and lead. She recognizes some of the challenges our neighborhoods face—from increased walkability to safer ambulance
services—and understands there are many other areas in need of attention. This is why we need someone who listens and Mary will do just that. She will bring thoughtful, practical solutions to the table and work hard to get things done.
We know Mary Rensel will be an excellent member of the South Russell Council and she has our vote.
Chris and Chrissy Barr
South Russell Village
Why I Support the Park District Levy
I have just returned from The West Woods, one of my favorite parks in Geauga County. I feel so blessed to have this great experience daily not only for the beautiful trails amongst the trees, but also for the Nature Center.
As an active park volunteer, I have had the opportunity, as well as the privilege, of being involved with the many activities provided by the Geauga Park District. The incredible team of naturalists help create experiences that are not only educational, but fun as well. I am so impressed with their passion and commitment to the mission of the park district and I very much enjoy working with each of them.
My hope is that more people will take advantage of all the Geauga Park District has to offer and realize how very fortunate we are. These programs, along with needed improvements and continuing maintenance, take funding. The upcoming Geauga Park District levy will help maintain and improve these parks for generations to come—please join me by voting YES on Issue 17!
Sue Lundstrom
Russell Township
Bryan Kostura has Right Stuff for Russell
I am writing to show my support for Mr. Bryan Kostura for Russell Township Trustee in the Nov. 4 election.
I first met and worked with Mr. Kostura when I became County Auditor. At that time, he was the Special Prosecutor handling a 9-year financial embezzlement case that ended with the former auditor pleading guilty to misconduct. Mr. Kostura gave me clear and straightforward guidance that helped me rebuild public trust in the Auditor’s Office by making our work more open and accountable. I will always be grateful for his leadership, professionalism and dedication to Geauga County, my office and our residents. Because of this, I believe he is the right choice to lead our township into the future.
Mr. Kostura’s experience as a trial attorney and his service as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves shows that he is disciplined, responsible and focused on solving problems. He has represented local governments, worked on zoning cases and handled other public law issues, all of which are important for a township trustee. In a past letter of interest, he said, “Community and service are important to me,” and I believe he truly means it. His commitment and integrity will serve Russell Township well.
As a voter and Russell resident, I am especially impressed by Mr. Kostura’s:
- Fiscal responsibility: As a South Russell Village councilman, Bryan led the finance committee and proved he can manage budgets wisely and protect taxpayer money.
- Local government experience: His five years on South Russell Village council and work on park and zoning committees gives him hands-on experience that directly translates to the trustee role.
- Calm, problem-solving approach: In his legal work, Bryan is known for being calm, level-headed and practical—skills that will help him solve problems and work well with other community leaders and residents.
This election gives us an opportunity to bring new, experienced leadership to Russell Township to address what is on our minds: lower taxes, responsive government and more efficient services.
I encourage my fellow residents to vote for Bryan Kostura for Russell Township Trustee on Nov. 4.
Chuck Walder
Russell Township
YES for Geauga Park District Nov. 4
This Nov. 4 Geauga County residents can support their Geauga Park District by voting for a 1.2-mil levy. It is a renewal with increase meant for improvements and maintenance of trails, restrooms and play areas.
It also will continue to support the outstanding programming available. The GPD offers amazing year-round indoor and outdoor programming for residents, toddlers to seniors. There are programs designed for those with special physical or developmental needs. I can learn about the world under my feet or over my head and in between from knowledgeable naturalists. I have enriched my life learning new outdoor skills and simply enjoying the trails.
I have compared the annual cost of streaming services, tickets to a single concert or sports event downtown with the year-round value offered by the Geauga Park District. It stacks up very well. Please vote YES for the Geauga Park District on Nov. 4.
Kim Boyd
Chardon
Keep Geauga Parks Thriving Nov. 4
In a rapidly changing world, our Geauga Parks need our help. The world is indeed changing. Some changes are good and others, well… maybe some good will eventually come from it all.
I’ve been a volunteer for the Geauga Park District since 2007. Some of the volunteer positions in which I participated were intended to assist in studies conducted by the naturalists and other positions were to help with current programs that enhance the experiences for the Park’s patrons.
I became a volunteer specifically because I saw the incredible resources they provide and I recognized that no other county in Ohio has anything that comes close. As such, I don’t miss an opportunity to invite those visiting Geauga County to participate in a program or to enjoy a secluded bench deep within any of the Park locations for a truly special experience.
The first Tuesday in November is our opportunity to help the Parks thrive for many generations to come.
John Swaney
Burton Township
Steve Boughner FOR Newbury Trustee
I am a lifelong Newbury resident and my husband has lived here since 1987. We have known Steve Boughner for many years. He and his wife are Newbury graduates and they raised their three boys here. They have always been active in school and community organizations and have made a positive impact in all.
Steve has served on the Newbury Zoning Board for many years. His company has done work on our home multiple times and we have recommended his business to family and friends.
There is no doubt that his honesty, integrity and compassion for others in his business will continue in his role as Newbury Township Trustee. He has a vision for the future of Newbury while retaining the rural feel we all know and love. He will listen to the concerns of all residents and make them a priority as best he can while practicing fiscal responsibility.
Please cast your vote for Steve Boughner for Newbury Township Trustee. It’s time for a new perspective.
Martin & Susan Mullet
Newbury Township
West Geauga Schools are Strong
It is disappointing—but not surprising—that a few individuals continue to promote negativity, regardless of the facts or the district’s demonstrated success.
West Geauga is an exceptional school system by nearly every measure and yet there are voices in the community, like Anthony Zaffiro, who seem more focused on stirring dissent than engaging in solutions. Once again, we are presented with a list of distorted claims and half-truths. Let’s address them with facts.
- GPD Group: Contrary to what’s been suggested, GPD did not charge the district for the updated master plan that included the single-campus option. They were hired solely for specific pre-bond planning work—such as cost estimations for potential renovations and the proposed water treatment and well projects—work that is both standard and necessary for responsible fiscal planning.
- Westwood PTO: The Westwood Elementary PTO is a completely separate legal entity. It operates under its own bylaws, financial procedures and board. The school district has no control over their funds and PTOs are not governed by district policy but by federal nonprofit regulations.
- Superintendent Salary: Dr. Markwardt’s raise applied only to the 2024–25 school year and he resigned effective July 31, 2025. His successor, Dr. Nancy Benincasa, has served the district for 13 years, including eight as both Assistant Superintendent and Director of Curriculum. Her leadership has been instrumental in West Geauga’s academic achievements. Promoting from within is not unusual, it’s smart succession planning.
- Window and Door Project: The recent phase of the middle school’s window and door replacement followed all legal bidding processes per Ohio Revised Code. While only one company submitted a formal bid, multiple companies reviewed the opportunity. Public bidding laws ensure fairness, even when responses are limited.
- Policy Violation – Advertising: The inclusion of a restaurant tagline containing the word “bourbon” in a parent-created sports publication did violate board policy on advertising. Once flagged, the Gridiron Club took immediate corrective action by reprinting the publication. Board policy 9700.01 was shared with all relevant groups well in advance.
- Grievance Process: Union grievances are not unusual in public entities. Differing interpretations of contracts happen, and settlements are a normal, lawful resolution tool used in schools across the country.
- Budget Commission Comment: The reality is that West Geauga hasn’t placed a new operating levy on the ballot since 2005 and maintains one of the lowest school tax rates in the county. A single comment from a commission member does not reflect the overall financial prudence of the district.
- Levy Surrender: West Geauga was the only school district in the entire state to voluntarily return $1 million in tax collections after revaluations. The following year, the Board chose not to appeal the suspension of another levy, choosing instead to protect the community from further tax increases. That’s not mismanagement, it’s leadership with compassion.
- FERPA Lawsuit: While we cannot comment on pending litigation, there is no indication that our federal funding is at risk.
- Newbury Facility: The district made repeated efforts to return the former Newbury buildings to the township, but lacked viable financial partners. Renovation estimates were as high as $3 million for a single building. Spending education funds on a non-instructional facility would have been irresponsible.
- Administrative Pay: Claims about administrative raises ignore the broader context. Over a ten-year span (2017–2026), administrative costs have risen an average of just 2.9% per year—well in line with inflation and far from excessive when you consider the added support provided to our students.
- Facility Maintenance: Our buildings were constructed between the 1950s and 1960s, with major renovations last occurring over 30 years ago. Since then, the Board has invested millions in capital improvements—roof repairs, water systems, HVAC upgrades, and more. These investments ensure our students learn in safe, functional environments.
We are fortunate to live in a community with a strong school district. If you have questions or concerns, I encourage you to engage in honest, constructive dialogue. I remain committed to ensuring that our children inherit not only the excellence we benefited from, but something even better.
Christina Sherwood
Chester Township
Steve Boughner: A Neighbor Who Truly Cares About Newbury
I’ve known Steve Boughner for many years and I’m proud to see someone like him stepping up to serve our township.
Steve is smart, caring and mindful about how every dollar is spent. He’s the kind of person who listens first and leads with thoughtfulness and common sense.
Steve and his wife have called Newbury home for decades, raising their family here and staying deeply involved in the community. As chair of the Township Zoning Commission, he’s shown a steady hand in balancing growth with preserving what makes Newbury such a special place to live.
Through his “Newbury Outlook 2040” initiative, Steve has helped spark important conversations about where we’re headed as a township. He cares about keeping Newbury strong, well-planned and community-focused.
It’s encouraging to see a leader who truly listens and looks ahead with integrity, vision and heart for our town.
Jan Horesh
Newbury Township
