Mary Rensel for South Russell Village Council
I’m writing to voice my strong support for Dr. Mary Rensel for South Russell Village Council.
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Mary personally—as a friend—and working closely with her through volunteer efforts, especially with the Chagrin Falls Education Foundation. She’s dedicated, thoughtful and tireless in her work to make our schools—and our community—the best they can be.
She’s also a devoted mom of four amazing kids and someone who leads by example, with energy and heart.
Mary is running on a platform of Safer South Russell, focused on three things that really matter: walkability, emergency services and smart fiscal planning. These aren’t just buzzwords, they’re essential to the safety and future of our village.
South Russell deserves leadership that is proactive, informed and focused on solutions. Mary is looking ahead. Ohio’s tax structure is changing and small towns like ours face real fiscal challenges. Mary wants to preserve the character of South Russell while preparing us for an uncertain future, with strong planning, innovation and a focus on community health and safety.
I know Mary to be trustworthy, smart and deeply committed to South Russell. I trust her judgment and I know she’ll show up and do the work. Please join me in voting for Dr. Mary Rensel for Village Council this November.
Meg Nachtwey
South Russell Village
Mary Rensel: Wonderful Voice for South Russell
I am writing this letter to express my strong support for Dr. Mary Rensel for Village Council in South Russell Village.
Mary is an extremely committed, sincere and capable person and has been involved with numerous local organizations and events. These include serving on the Chagrin Falls Education Foundation for 10 years, Girl Scout leader, fundraisers, Chagrin Art Festival and the Chagrin International Film Festival.
As a neurologist at the Cleveland Clinic treating MS, she also has the experience of serving on several national boards and committees to advocate for people living with MS.
Some of Mary’s key campaign issues include safer South Russell walkability and balancing the increasing cost of EMS services with quality services. I know that a lot of residents would love to have better accessibility to walk into town or walk to the park. It would be wonderful to see a safer path along Bell Street. With available grant money this is something that could be done.
As a resident, having access to quality EMS services close to home is vital. This is something that needs careful and knowledgeable consideration when procuring EMS services and should not be a last-minute issue to be solved. I feel confident that with Mary’s background and experience she will be diligent in finding solutions to these issues that will enhance the health and safety of our community.
I think Dr. Mary Rensel would be a wonderful voice for the residents of South Russell Village. She has a deep understanding of the local issues and the ability to bring thoughtful and practical solutions to matters currently facing our community. I urge my fellow South Russell residents to join me in voting for Dr. Mary Rensel on Nov. 4.
Teresa Edmonds
South Russell Village
Keep Kenston Strong with Krause
We are writing to show our support for Dr. Beth Krause for Kenston School Board.
Dr. Krause is an experienced school board member of 16 years. During her tenure, she has navigated our district through many challenges and continues to keep our school a top 5% school in the state.
With many new leadership faces in our school district, we need an experienced veteran member like Beth on the school board. Her involvement on various committees during her board membership including finance, curriculum, legislative and many more.
She is very well versed in the smooth and efficient operation of the school district. Her passion for giving back to the community is exhibited by her commitment to serving a fifth term on the board. Consistent, smart, cost-conscious and loyal are a few words which describe her best.
We hope everyone sees the value and stability in re-electing Beth Krause for Kenston School Board.
Steve & Joyce Wasko
Auburn Township
Vote Chris Hare for Strong Local Leadership
I’ve been a Russell Township resident for the past eight years now and have had the pleasure of knowing Chris Hare for the past five. During that time, I’ve observed his interest and love for our community. His focus is keeping this community a safe and beautiful place to live.
Chris has attended nearly every trustee meeting since early 2020.
He’s extremely conservative with the spending of our tax dollars which is definitely one of his main priorities.
He also wants to maintain our local large lot zoning, along with protecting our parks in Russell Township.
Chris spends time weekly with our departments to better understand their needs, giving them options they may not be aware of having to maximize their resources for now and in the future.
A vote for Chris Hare will ensure that Russell Township will continue to be a great place to live.
Lisa Cutter
Russell Township
Greg Troph Delivers Results for Newbury
When Greg Troph was first elected Trustee of Newbury Township, I admit I had my reservations about him.
One of the first things he accomplished as trustee was getting Newbury Township’s budget approved by the Geauga Budget Commission (consisting of county Auditor Chuck Walder, Treasurer Hiscox and Prosecutor Flaiz) in 2018. At the first budget hearing Aug.14, the budget commission did not approve Newbury’s budget for lack of a comprehensive 5-year plan and to go back to the drawing board and resubmit it. Troph took it upon himself to tackle this issue, saying he would work closely with the county, asking for help, especially focusing on establishing a solid 5-year road improvement plan.
On Aug. 17, he presented a proposal for a 5-year plan. Walder praised Troph, saying it was a professional looking, thoughtful plan and that he accomplished in one week what the township hasn’t done in four years!
Flaiz said you did the right thing, went above and beyond what he’s ever seen a single trustee do and that he changed his mind about approving the budget.
I have attended numerous township meetings over the years and have seen Greg Troph grow in his capacity as a trustee over the years. In listening to him and talking with him, I can tell you he truly loves the township of Newbury and is proud to call it home. He not only has a “stake” in Newbury, he works to better it every day.
A vote for Greg Troph is a vote for the best interest of Newbury.
Rose Yaecker
Newbury Township
Safer Roads Needed Now in Geauga
Recent tragedies in Middlefield and surrounding areas cry out for a solution to accidents between Amish buggies and motorized vehicles.
Traditional methods like signage, lower speed limits and enforcement haven’t been as effective as we need to protect residents sharing the road. In fact, a new study shows reducing speeds isn’t nearly as effective as narrower lanes. A painstaking study by Johns Hopkins University shows a three-foot reduction in lane width can reduce accidents by 50%. However, state design guidelines are still encouraging engineers to build lanes based on the false assumption that wider lanes are safer. The study shows wider lanes are now proven to encourage faster, deadlier driving regardless of the speed limit.
The American Association of State and Highway Green Book—a national design guide known as the bible for traffic engineers—has long recommended minimum lane widths between 10 and 12 feet for high volume arterial roads.
My plan is to work with state engineers to get them to consider this new study, change their thinking for roads in our area and thereby protect travelers using the roads in our area.
Andrea Scheid
Middlefield Township
Protect Geauga’s Natural Legacy
We’re writing to share our strong support for the Geauga Park District levy on the ballot this November.
For generations, Geauga County families have cherished our parks as places to explore, learn and connect with nature. They’re more than trails and picnic areas—they’re living classrooms for our kids, sanctuaries for wildlife and gathering places that bring neighbors and friends together.
Back in 1964, Geauga County voters made a wise investment by approving the first park levy. Thanks to that vision, the Park District continues to put tax dollars to work—protecting thousands of acres, expanding trails and waterways, and offering educational programs led by passionate naturalists.
Behind the scenes, dedicated staff keep our parks safe, accessible and beautiful so every visitor—from hikers to schoolchildren—has an inspiring experience.
As our community grows, so does the need to sustain and strengthen these vital resources. This levy isn’t just about maintaining our parks, it’s about preserving a legacy we can all be proud of and ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities to experience the wonders of nature close to home.
On behalf of the Foundation for Geauga Parks, we urge our neighbors to vote “Yes” on the Geauga Park District levy.
Keith Corkwell
President, Board of Trustees
Foundation for Geauga Parks
Christine Davidson
Executive Director
Foundation for Geauga Parks
Troph Has Earned Another Term in Newbury
There are four people running for Newbury Trustee this year. I’m asking you to consider voting for Greg Troph.
With Troph, you know what you will be getting. He’s been a trustee for two terms now and has proven himself to be worthy of another term. He’s a good guy, I mean come on, he
donated back his winnings from the Kiwanis Lake Community reverse raffle.
Being a good guy isn’t the only qualification for being a trustee though. Troph has proven himself to being a good trustee! He’s fiscally responsible with township funds, listens to residents and wants to continue to move Newbury forward in the right direction.
Troph understands the importance of solid zoning that retains our property values and keeps our township looking beautiful.
As a trustee he has worked on updating the township website, the storing of township records into electronic records, trying to build pickle ball & bocce ball courts, updating Oberland Park facility, to name a few. Greg seems to always “look ahead” for problems
that may arise and isn’t afraid to tackle them head on like suggesting Newbury hire a full-time zoning inspector to clean up the state Route 87 corridor. Sounds like what a trustee should do.
Everyone wants to win, only two can win and Troph should win!
Kate Musick
Newbury Township
McCaskey, Bushman Deserve Munson’s Vote
Munson Township residents have long enjoyed the benefit of good governance, steady, orderly and responsible. As a veteran participant in Munson government, I see no need to mess with a good thing.
Jim McCaskey and Andy Bushman are solid, experienced trustees. I won’t toss out a bunch of hyperbole or grand statements; it is enough to say Jim and Andy do a very good job. They understand their roles, collaborate, compromise when necessary and don’t stir up trouble.
They are attentive to resident concerns, make sure good services are in place, solve problems as they arise and look ahead for ways to make things a little better.
Munson is a fine place to live and McCaskey and Bushman will keep it that way. Please give them your vote on Nov. 4.
Todd Ray
Munson Township
Misha Alexander for South Russell Village Council
I have learned Misha Alexander is: Kindly Tenacious, Forthright, A Focused Listener, Accountable and A Selfless Servant.
Misha lived in Vermont, working overnight shifts for an emergency answering service, fielding a variety of calls, from coordinating snowplow service to assisting patients trying to reach doctors to helping residents during electric outages.
In 2008, amidst the Great Recession, Misha worked at a mortgage outreach call center. She desired to be a voice for those in crisis, being there for scared community members during their time of distress, staying with them until she thoroughly understood their situation to advocate for them effectively, fighting to keep them in their homes.
Misha believes in “WE not me.”
Misha champions, “With transparency, accountability and collaboration, we will be able to make measurable and timely progress.”
Misha vehemently states, “If we don’t account for our mistakes, we cannot fix the problem and will not improve. We have to be willing to fix what is broken, honestly analyzing things to move forward.”
Misha is a person whose actions in her life have spoken louder than her words.
Misha is driven to be thorough, working to get to the bottom of things.
During our initial conversation, Misha honored my concerns while not jumping on my bandwagon.
Our second gathering, I discovered Misha had already researched things I presented less than three days prior.
I am confident, as a SRV councilor, Misha will fiercely advocate for you, work collaboratively with empathy, be direct and listen patiently serving our community.
Misha is exactly who we need on our SRV Council. I will be voting for Misha on Nov. 4. I hope you will join me.
Please reach out to Misha with questions at alexanderandrensel@gmail.com
Kelly Leavenworth Kimball
South Russell Village
Yes on Issue 17; Yes for Geauga Parks
We would like to express our support for the Geauga County Park District levy this Nov. 4.
Our park district is a hidden gem in our community, providing outdoor opportunities, preserving green space and educating kids and adults of the importance of nature.
Our kids grew up attending park programs and events. The naturalists and volunteers have always been great. They’re enthusiastic, knowledgeable and friendly. We cannot wait to take our grandchildren to these programs.
We recently attended a presentation by Matt McCue that outlined all the park district has done these last few years and where they are headed. We are very excited for the future—so many new opportunities and development.
I hope you will join us in voting yes for Issue 17 this Nov. 4.
David and Pam Patterson
Chester Township
Andrea Scheid for Middlefield Twp. Trustee
I am writing to enthusiastically endorse Andrea Scheid for Middlefield Township Trustee in the upcoming election on Nov. 4, 2025. I have known Andrea Scheid for two years through her work with our church family.
During this time, I have been consistently impressed by Andrea’s thoughtful approach to problem-solving. This experience showed me that she is not only capable but also genuinely committed to serving the best interests of our township.
Furthermore, Andrea’s vision for Middlefield Township is one that I strongly believe in. She understands the unique challenges and opportunities facing our community and has the practical experience needed to make a real difference.
In a role as important as township trustee, it is vital to have leaders who are both approachable and effective. Andrea Scheid is that leader. She is someone who will be accessible to residents, listen to diverse perspectives, and work collaboratively to find the best solutions.
For these reasons, I urge my fellow residents of Middlefield Township to cast their vote for Andrea Scheid on Nov. 4. She has the integrity, vision and practical experience to lead our township forward.
Donny Howells
Middlefield Township
Scheid Brings Fresh Leadership to Middlefield Township
I am writing to endorse Andrea Scheid for Middlefield Township Trustee in the upcoming election on Nov. 4, 2025.
During this year, Andrea and I attended meetings together during which we shared our ideas, brainstormed new ideas and collaborated to reach a goal we could both support.
I also learned about her experiences creating and running businesses. She currently works as a traveling notary. Instead of meeting in someone’s home or in a bank or library, Andrea travels to her clients’ homes to provide her services.
In addition, I learned about Andrea’s passion and commitment to our township. She lives here because she prefers and values the benefits of rural living. She has learned about the needs and interests of the variety of people who also choose to live here. Her ideas are fresh and new and reflect a forward point of view. Her goals involve clarifying the current practices of our township and expanding their effectiveness through transparency and community engagement.
Bringing residents together who may not know or understand each other takes a leader with a background in communication and listening skills. Andrea’s experience in business also gives her knowledge of financial issues and areas of concern in our township. She is approachable, kind and genuinely interested in supporting our neighbors as they provide a safe, nurturing environment for their children.
For these reasons, I urge my neighbors in Middlefield township to vote for Andrea Scheid for Middlefield Township Trustee.
Judith E Miller
Middlefield Township
