Five Compete for Two Chester Trustee Seats

October 15, 2025 by Staff Report

Five candidates are vying for two Chester Township trustee seats in the Nov. 4 election. They are Jamie Alves, James Brandon Davis, Juli Anne Mazzurco, Michael Petruziello and incumbent Craig Richter. Below are their responses to our candidate questionnaire.

Jamie Alves

Age: 47

Current Occupation/Employer: Self-employed, Prestige Jewels, Inc.

Education: High school graduate/some college, Ohio Center for Broadcasting

James Brandon Davis

Age: Not provided

Current Occupation/Employer: Executive, owner/various

Education: Bachelor’s degrees in international relations and business, Cleveland State University; master’s degrees in business administration and organizational leadership, University of Findlay

Julie Anne Mazzurco

Age: 58

Current Occupation/Employer: Healthcare and Workers Compensation Administration at Key Clinics, LLC

Education: Associate’s degree in medical assisting; administration and anesthesia assisting license

Michael Petruziello

Age: 77

Current Occupation/Employer: Quality Quartz of America, Inc.

Education: Graduate of Shaw High School; studied engineering at Cleveland State and Cleveland Engineering School; studied business at John Carroll and Cleveland State; I didn’t graduate from college.

Craig Richter

Age: 61

Current Occupation/Employer: Director of Tax at AFC Industries

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, major accounting from The Ohio State University;  master’s degree in BA from John Carroll University and a master of taxation degree from The Akron University

1. Why are you seeking this position?

Alves: In these last three years as a Chester business owner of 35 years my husband and I have been trying to save and repurpose a historic property on Mayfield Rd. This has led me to become involved, attending town meetings, trustee, zoning and parks. One of the things that is of concern, there is no plan. No plan for the general fund money, no plan for the town’s decrepit emergency service facilities, no plan for our extreme harsh zoning regulations, no plan for our neighbors to get involved and be more cohesive in the community.

Davis: One of my core values is to be “in service”. My wife and I chose Chester Township to raise our family a decade ago, and we have loved learning about its history, and have become involved in the community. Friends and community leaders have suggested I run for office for a while, and the circumstances and timing this election seemed to align to be a right time for me to be in service to the community in this way. I bring some unique perspectives to the role, including being both an active business executive and as a trustee with a young family.

Mazzurco: I have a great passion and love for the community. I have lived in the community for over 40 years. I have raised two children in Chesterland, have been involved in different organizations and I want to continue to build on the future township. The responsibility of township trustee is to govern by overseeing commonly provided services to the residents of the township including but not limited to the police and fire, emergency services, road maintenance, solid waste disposable and zoning.

Petruziello: I am seeking this position as trustee to better serve the general public and I feel that I have the best qualifications to accomplish this goal. Secondly, I have the most knowledge concerning how townships operate and have knowledge of all the requirements and contact within our county to get things accomplished.

Richter: I am seeking a second term as trustee because I am driven by a desire to serve my community. I have a personal investment in my community, having grown up in it and raised my children here. I want to preserve the semi-rural feel for future generations. In addition, to ensure that township operations reflect the needs and values for our residents.

2. If elected to this position, what would be your top priorities?

Alves: My priority — why have the township buildings, emergency resources, road equipment, park common areas fallen into disrepair? Maintaining things is much more cost efficient. I will focus on the appropriations of funds and creating a 10-year plan for improvements and keeping records of maintenance. Our taxpayers deserve transparency to show the accomplishments as we accomplish them using their money.

Davis: Today, my immediate focuses are 1) Expand transparency and communication, including streaming and recording meetings, 2) Proactively work to support and enhance our commercial districts, specifically I would like the township to take some proactive role with abandoned properties, 3) Focus on continuous improvement and making sure we are bringing good services to the community that is effective and efficient; and 4) Work to protect our large-lot size semi-rural zoning, while also exploring all the options that allow seniors to age in place without leaving our great township.

Mazzurco: My top priorities would be to continue fiscal responsibilities in police, fire/EMS, road department and general fund. At same time keeping in mind improvements to the town center, which is the park, by improving the commercial area. This area is the heartbeat of our community, and so I would like to help that area thrive by having organizations like the chamber of commerce working in conjunction with business owners and the township to bring in community activities and events. Zoning is also a top priority in keeping Chesterland semi-rural, but still being able to use zoning as an economic development tool.

Petruziello: Accountability, transparent and responsible leadership as I have done as past Geauga County park commissioner, as a current Geauga County Mental Health board member, as the treasurer for two years and a board member and treasure at the Metropolitan Housing Authority in our county.

Richter: As a trustee, my priorities are grounded in my values of transparency and pragmatic governance. With property tax reform gaining traction it’s more important than ever to engage residents in the Township budget process and financial needs. To increase resident engagement implementing digital tools like live streaming Township meetings and downloading the video allowing the public to view at their convenience.  Another top priority which has already started is working with the Land Use Planning Committee to determine other uses for properties that support change while protecting green space in our current zoning districts for the benefit of our community.

3. What projects would you like to see township government accomplish over the next four years?

Alves: 
I would like to see our emergency services have the resources and equipment they need to service our community at the highest standard. Proper staffing for police/fire at all times. To have people want to spend their career with Chester Township instead of using us as a stepping stone. Our tax money should be used to ensure we are protected properly. The town hall, fire, police, road department, salt dome area need to have a plan.

Davis: I would like to focus on the four core focus areas I mentioned in the previous question. In conjunction with that, the results of the Land Use Plan Survey will influence our future visioning for the township heavily. Past surveys have requested items that I don’t believe were never even brought forward for discussion. I would like to change that. The survey is one of the key ways our residents communicate with the trustees. I say now: I am listening.

Mazzurco: I want to see the continuing development plan of the road department garage and future building of the new police department. In addition, at Parkside, I would like to pave the gravel parking lot because of the high usage and wear and tear.  I also want to review the park restrooms from seasonal use to year- round use, due to the park being used year-round.

Petruziello: I would like to see the township have budgets that show the true picture of our financial obligations without deficits projected and at year end, there is always a surplus. This goes to accountability. I would like to see the township dispose of property that is not generating any revenue. I would like to use technology to reduce costs in operating expenditures. The township needs to address the issue of run down property of which can be done though legal channels available by law. In order to accomplish these objectives you will need to have at least two trustees’ that have the same vision.

Richter: To generate stable, long-term revenue to fund all essential capital improvements needed while maintaining required township services. The township has a history that lacks in the maintenance of capital assets leading to a neglect of all Township buildings. By securing federal and state funding for capital projects supplemented by current revenue streams I hope to accomplish upgrades to township facilities without a request for a bond issue.

4. A significant amount of your time will be allocated to township board responsibilities, such as planning, zoning, budgeting, re-zoning, land uses, economic development, labor negotiations and audit review. What prior experience do you have with the above? Do you feel a trustee “can learn on the job?”

Alves: 
As a business owner you must manage all of the responsibilities. Planning, budgeting, projecting future plans and goals. Managing relationships with your customer base and working in retail has taught me so much about our community. We are always learning and when we stop being open to learning is when we are in trouble.

Davis: The truth is, everyone is learning on the job these days; even if you have done the job for twenty years. With changes in regulation, changes in funding sources for governments, state and federal changes that erode local control, and more, the question is not do you have the experience in the ways our government has worked in the past? Instead, the question is, do you have the experience base and nimbleness to learn and respond to, and to help our township respond to the constant and rapidly changing environment? That we deal with in business every day – I have it and am committed.

Mazzurco: As a trustee, you must work with hands-on experience with all these processes and all facets of local government.  With my leadership and office skills I know how to work with people in all different areas who know how to get things done and make good decisions and at the same time keep the residents’ needs in mind and keep the future success of the township as their main goal.

Petruziello: As a small business owner for over 45 years and serving as a former trustee and on several county boards I have dealt with these issues and have a clear understanding of how the system works. My record on these boards can be verified by contacting the directors of these county agencies. As for learning on the job, I do not believe that you can learn the working of the township in a timely fashion since there will be push back from employees as well as other elected officials that may not want you to know too much. I have had firsthand knowledge of this.

Richter: During my service to the township, I have gained experience in all the areas of a trustees responsibilities. In addition, I have built relationships with township employees, and other public officials at all levels of government. I have also served on various local boards, managed large projects and budgets, and have also been engaged in community activities. All those experiences translated well into my trustee duties. Although a trustee can be more effective with a baseline understanding of Township governance with a willingness to dive in and support from the other trustees an individual can learn on the job.

5. Some entities have adjusted zoning to increase business and development, while others have worked to protect or preserve undeveloped land. What is your vision for zoning and development in your township? Do you feel changes should be made in zoning laws or policies? If yes, how so?

Alves: This has directly impacted me and my business. Chester Township has allowed a handful of people to undermine and stall any improvements to our township. These are the folks who are in zoning violation themselves however make it difficult for the tax paying, rural American to use their land as they choose. Zoning can have a plan, zoning can have guidelines, we can achieve an aesthetic that suits the rural charm. This can all be done legally. Bullying people is inexcusable. Chester zoning currently has no land use plan to follow. Do you like the way things look?

Davis: The residents are speaking soon with their answers to the Land Use Plan Survey. I am listening. However, our family moved here for countryside living and it would be my intent to not have that significantly impacted. I see the following potential discussions: add in-law suites to zoning, setback appeals granted to unique commercial properties, more residential appeals granted for reasonable requests to out buildings. Possibly also consider or have a discussion about a small 62+ independent retirement community so that seniors can stay local while reducing their property maintenance burden.

Mazzurco: Yes, some zoning of the past does carry merit for the future but with the changing of the economic times, zoning needs to adjust from some past practices of zoning to the current times. Right now, a committee solely of residents is currently working to review township Land Use Plan, this is a road map of what the residents might want to see of the future Chester Township. Any findings would be passed along for the zoning commission to review, discuss and consider any updates to zoning laws. We must have good zoning laws and land use plan to keep Chester semi-rural.

Petruziello: Chester’s zoning is what it is and to change its make up would be virtually impossible at this time. We have a hodgepodge of Industrial, commercial and residential areas that are intermingled. There have been several surveys and the people of Chester have clearly stated that they need to keep our township Green. So to change what has already been done would be very difficult but I would be open to listen to anyone’s suggestion on how to make such changes in our township.

Richter: To maintain the semi-rural look of Chester Township, I will always work to preserve the undeveloped land. However, there is a large vacancy rate in the commercial district and possible changes to the uses allowed by zoning may help encourage new business development of the current commercial district.

6. Some townships have merged police and fire with neighboring community’s in the county, while others remain independent. What do you feel is the best approach? Should changes be made in your township?

Alves: 
Please look to the statistical summary of Chesterland police and fire incident reports on their Facebook pages. I will support keeping our local police/fire. The world is changing and we have an excellent resource in Chesterland police and fire that serves the community without fail.

Davis: As trustee, it is important to listen to our department chiefs and understand their perspectives on these topics. Generally speaking, I believe these services are best provided locally, from a customer service prospective. Additionally, there are other factors to consider, such as the impact on insurance rates if emergency response is now more distant from the home, and so on. That being said, like in business, sometimes non-core or non-operations centralized services can result not only in lower costs, but sometimes in better service. These are things we always need to consider and balance.

Mazzurco: Absolutely not, over the past years our currently present police and fire /EMS services have the best approach in service for our community, at any given moment these services can be at an emergency situation in five to seven minutes. With this being said, I would not sacrifice the health, safety and well-being of the residents of the township to save a dollar.

Petruziello: Mergers would only make sense if the township or surrounding townships are financially under pressure. Sometimes the costs prohibit the expansion of services that the residence is accustomed to.

Richter: A trustee should constantly be reviewing the services departments to ensure that the services provided are run as efficiently and efficiently as possible. In a sense, a partial consolidation was completed by sending dispatch services to the county, years ago. In addition, to other shared programs like training and cold-water rescue teams.  However, consolidating Chester Township emergency services with neighboring communities, both of which are struggling for staffing, may only add additional stress to our township services as well as losing the personal connection to Chester Township residents and our community.

7. There have been movements both on the local and state level for property tax reform and relief. Do you believe property taxes need reform? If so, what would you do, as trustee, to provide property tax relief to residents and or work with legislators on reform?

Alves: The taxation is out of control. The monies are being collected and things are not getting better.
We see now where monies have gone and for things that I don’t personally support. This movement is a great start, property tax elimination is fair to homeowners who have invested in a community and keep equity growing for their future.

Davis: Property taxes do need reform, however this is really a state level function. The state, through the legislature, needs to make adjustments and then apply those universally across the state. As trustee, I will keep an open dialogue with legislators, and government leaders, so they understand the impact of any proposed changes on our township, and residents. I believe the path forward will be some combination of: regulation on property valuation increases, tax caps, grant and creative funding solutions, discussions with communities, and, as always, running efficient but effective operations.

Mazzurco: Yes. There should be some relief or cap of some sort that limits the raising of property taxes. The trustees do not regulate property taxes or the county auditors; the state of Ohio mandates the tax. As a trustee we must voice our opinion to state legislators to reform property taxes. You just can’t eliminate property taxes because it’s a form of revenue for the township, if removing property taxes, there will be a higher need for sales tax and need to implement levies to offset the lost revenues.

Petruziello: I do believe that property taxes need to be reformed. I would reach out to our county commissioners and other county officials along with state elected officials to see what type of relief we can get or what legislative initiatives can be accomplished.

Richter: I absolutely would like the opportunity to work with our legislators on all tax reform, including property tax. We must remember that Chester Township’s only major source of revenue comes from property tax, and the township only receives about 23% of the property tax paid by our residents, the rest goes to fund other local and county-wide services. So tax reform efforts need to be across the board ensuring that relief efforts are both effective and responsible and allow for proper funding of township services.