4 seek three Avon Council at-Large seats in election

Avon City Council has three Council at-Large seats up for grabs Nov. 5.

Incumbents Brian Fischer, Tammy S. Holtzmeier and Craig Witherspoon will face off against political newcomer Charley Peters.

Council members serve four-year terms and receive an annual salary of $12,500. Council president receives an annual salary of $15,500.

Brian Fischer

First elected in 2016, Fischer said in a Morning Journal questionnaire that infrastructure will be his top priority if voters reelect him.

“Infrastructure is the most pressing issue right now,” he said. This includes roads, sidewalks, and storm sewers,” he said. “We continue to Improve and widen roads where possible and have implemented a sidewalk installation program trying to add as many as possible each year.”

In addition, Fischer lauded improvements to the city’s amenities including the Every Child’s Playground next to the Avon Aquatic Facility on Detroit Road, a citywide bike path and creating more green space.

BRIAN FISCHER

Age: 49

Address: 1648 Pine Drive

Profession: Owner of Graffiti Warehouse

Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of Cincinnati

Elected Experience: Avon City Council, 2016to present

“It has been a fast four years, and has been my honor to represent the residents of Avon,” Fischer said. “There is still much to accomplish and I would love to continue to work on your behalf to continue to make this the greatest city to live in.”

Tammy S. Holtzmeier

Holtzmeier will seek a third term on Council, and she also serves on the Avon Planning Commission.

“Our current and future success includes better traffic management and road improvement within the city,” Holtzmeier said in her Morning Journal questionnaire. “Actions include the planned installation of new turn lanes along jammed up areas of Detroit Road and a future roundabout at Detroit and Nagel as examples

TAMMY S. HOLTZMEIER

Age: 47

Address: 36776 Bellcrest Drive

Profession: Banking executive and analyst

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Ohio University Elected experience: Avon City Council, 2013to present of a broader initiative to reduce local driver angst.”

She added she will continue efforts to address flooding management by maintaining ditches and storm water infrastructure impact as a result of French Creek, Schwartz Creek and Mills Creek storm surcharge.

Finally, Holtzmeier noted she would build on efforts to design a bicycle and pedestrian master plan to improve accessibility and continue to enforce strict planning requirements for new construction.

As a leader, she says her strong resume and business background with a healthy dose of common sense makes her the best choice for voters.

“If re-elected for a third term, I’m going to continue to advocate for what is right

CHARLEY PETERS

Age: 41

Address: 3093 Fairview Drive

Profession: Special education teacher

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Kent State University; master’s degree, Ohio University

Elected experience: None for the health of our city and the investments of our residents,” Holtzmeier said. “I’m going to continue to be frugal for our taxpayers, and I’m going to continue to be respectful and attentive to our residents while the city continues to change and evolve.

“I’m proud of Avon and the people who make it a wonderful community. We have a community that’s really special here in Lorain County, and we all play a part in keeping it that way. There’s more work to be done.”

Charley Peters

Political newcomer Charley Peters, a special education teacher, wants to improve public engagement with citizens and the city of Avon and echoed the need to continue addressing infrastructure.

CRAIG WITHERSPOON

Age: 70

Address:

2765 Elizabeth St.

Profession:

Optician

Education:

Associate degree, Lorain County Community College

Elected experience: Avon City Council, 2005to present “Communication between City Council, the emergency services, the mayor’s office and the citizens of Avon is critical to the shared prosperity we envision for Avon,” Peters said in his questionnaire. “As a City Councilman, I will encourage participation in our City Council meetings make them well-publicized and easier to attend.”

As Avon continues to grow, he said continuing to invest in infrastructure for safety, roads and emergency services was critical to meet the increased demand.

Peters said he would prioritize improvements to Avon’s walkability citing statistics indicating the city ranked 111th out of the 114 largest cities in Ohio.

“Smartly adding sidewalks where needed and fencing in our parks will keep our families safe as we enjoy everything our city has to offer,” he said.

Craig Witherspoon

Witherspoon has served on Council since 2005 and has spent the past nine years as Avon’s Council president and will continue to prioritize easing traffic congestion and addressing infrastructure and sustainable economic growth.

“Anyone living or visiting our community has noticed a tremendous increase in traffic,” Witherspoon said in his questionnaire. “The administration and Council has been working tirelessly to ease the pain in going from point A to point B.

“Repairing roads, adding sidewalks and widening roads are among the most important issues that we need to address.”

As a longtime resident and councilman, Witherspoon said he hopes to continue helping the city move forward.

“I feel my 44 years living in the community and serving 14 years on City Council, shows my commitment to helping the city grow in a positive direction,” he said. “I have, and always will have, this city’s best interest in making decisions that will continue to make Avon a great place to live and raise a family.”