Moore challenging Sweda for commission seat

I ncumbent Lorain County Commissioner Sharon Sweda, a Democrat, is seeking a full term as a commissioner against a familiar face to Lorain County voters: former Republican commissioner David J. Moore.

Sweda, 67, of Amherst, was appointed commissioner in February 2019 to fill the seat vacated by Democrat Ted Kalo, who stepped down after being elected Lorain Clerk of Courts.

Lorain County commissioners serve four-year terms with an annual salary of $86,000.

David J. Moore

Moore, 58, of Amherst is asking voters to help him return as a commissioner where he served from 200104.

In his Morning Journal questionnaire, he wrote he has plans for some big changes.

“I was a successful commissioner who won national awards for economic development and job creation for our county,” he wrote. “I will restore the programs back to the original intent for business development and growth.

“I did more in my first 90 days of public service than my self-serving opponent has in her first appointed term of office.”

If elected, Moore wrote he will provide some much needed balance.

He argues the commissioners presently allocate only one third of funding received to support veterans, putting the remainder in the general fund.

Moore wrote that Lorain County will be able to save money in creating a new legal team in conjunction with the Lorain County prosecutor.

Along with fellow Republican candidate Michelle Hung, Moore advocates the creation of a county human resources department in order to address a number of hiring practices including nepotism, lack of racial diversity and standard work procedures for essential employees.

Moore also wrote he will work to fix issues, alleging county employees are using county resources for political campaigns.

Sharon Sweda

Prior to being selected as commissioner, Sweda owned and operated a seven-branch real estate brokerage with her husband, Richard Sweda.

They currently operate American Patriot Title

Agency.

If retained by voters, Sweda wrote in her questionnaire she would to continue the work she is doing on mental health and the opioid addiction epidemic in collaboration with Lorain County boards and agencies and veterans treatment courts.

“We need to assure the proper support, funding and resources if we are to win the battle against addiction and mental health issues,” she wrote.

Sweda wrote she wants to continue efforts to reduce food insecurity in Lorain County, making sure children and seniors have access to healthy food, along with developing sustainable transportation solutions.

In her 30 years in real estate, Sweda held office as the president of the Lorain County Association of Realtors, chairperson of the

Board for the Cleveland Area Board of Realtors and district vice president for the Ohio Association of Realtors.

“I believe voters should vote for me because I have spent 30 years as a business owner who now continues to create jobs for the county,” Sweda wrote.

“I have investment experience and have brought

over 400 good paying jobs that will offer health care.

“I am a leader who cares about creating a county that will be a safe place for families. I assisted victims of predatory lenders and loan sharks to regain their homes and will always stand as a barrier to protect our residents.”