Two seek to be Amherst City Council president

Two seasoned civil servants vie for the Amherst City Council president seat with a two-year term.

Incumbent Democrat Council President John Dietrich is being challenged by Republican Jennifer Wasilk.

Dietrich

Dietrich was born in Amherst and has been a lifelong resident.

“The biggest challenge to our city is keeping it a wonderful place for our citizens to live,” he indicated in his election questionnaire. “We have some infrastructure problems which we are addressing. We are constantly working with Main Street

Amherst to address parking problems and to attract new business to the city. We have a superior school system, police department, fire department and all city departments. Let us all work to keep Amherst a great place to work, live and enjoy.”

A veteran and retired owner of Wiegand Electric in Amherst, Dietrich has served on city council for 22 years, with non-elected offices including two years as Amherst electrical inspector, two years on zoning board of appeals, past president and present board of directors of Amherst Community Investment Corporation, and past president and board member of Amherst Historical Society.

Dietrich says he runs on experience.

“I believe that I have the background, experience and qualifications to continue to serve our city as council president,” he said. “I am dedicated to the City of Amherst and the citizens of Amherst.”

Dietrich is married to Barbara Dietrich, and they have five children.

Wasilk

Wasilk has lived in Amherst for 34 years.

“Infrastructure updates should continue,” Wasilk indicated in her election questionnaire. “The city should maintain its progress in improvements to parks and pool. Innovations in technology services should be provided in support of utilities, police, fire, building, auditor and treasurer. All three of these goals have to be supported with appropriate planning and timing of funding by city council.”

Wasilk has served 18 years as Ward 4 City Councilwoman. She also serves on Lorain County Emergency Planning Committee, and chairs the city council planning committee.

Wasilk says she runs on responsiveness.

“I give my constituents a voice so they are heard by their public officials,” she said. “Although I don’t always have answers to the questions posed by residents of Amherst, I will put them in touch with the official who is most likely to provide an answer.”

Wasilk is married to Neil Wasilk, and they have three children and two grandchildren.

Incumbent Democrat Council President John Dietrich is being challenged by Republican Jennifer Wasilk.