The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Four running for two Painesville Township seats
Painesville Township voters will head to the polls on Nov. 7 to elect two trustees.
Incumbent township Trustees Chuck Hillier and Josh Pennock are joined on the ballot by Beth Knezevich and Ann Radcliffe.
There are 13,642 eligible voters, according to the Lake County Elections Board. The winning candidates each will serve a four-year term and make $22,676 in 2018. The salary for Painesville Township trustees is set by the Ohio Legislature and is based on population, Painesville Township Administrator Michael Manary said.
Hillier
Hillier, if reelected, said he plans to continue addressing stormwater management issues, including the completion of engineering projects that will correct significant deficiencies at Center Park Estates, Barton Ditch and Fairway Pines. He also wants to improve the attractiveness of the Route 20 corridor in the eastern township by expanding the Western Reserve Architectural Zoning that was recently enacted in the western township, and continue to support the preservation of the natural environment within the township.
“I’m a forward thinker with a passion to serve the public trust,” he said. “Additionally, as a retired 30year Navy veteran, I bring a straightforward, no-nonsense approach in serving my community to get things done — on time and on budget. Notably, in the pursuit of transparency in government, I’ve supported the online posting of the trustee meeting minutes and township expenditures.”
Knezevich
Knezevich said she knows what it takes to be a leader and find creative solutions to get things done for the benefit all stakeholders.
“I proudly served our country as a sergeant in the United States Army and have continued my commitment to public service by volunteering in our community,” she said. “When voters cast their votes this fall, I am asking them to consider my commitment to community service, my background as a legal assistant, and my degree in urban studies along with my military leadership, all of which have proved to be vital in my preparation for this position.”
Knezevich plans to focus on improving township services, increasing government efficiency and transparency, revitalizing the Route 20 business corridor and applying a responsible approach to township finances.
Pennock
Pennock is a lifelong Painesville Township resident.
A few of his objectives include increasing recreational opportunities within Painesville Township, addressing the drainage issues and filling vacant commercial and industrial properties.
“I was born and raised in Painesville Township and I have chosen to remain here to raise my family. Knowing where the township has come from and how it has evolved over the years will allow me to improve the future while respecting the past,” he said. “I have focused a tremendous effort in the past four years on increasing community interaction and building a sense of community in Painesville Township ... I will diligently work to keep our community a place our children will want to remain and raise their families.”
Radcliffe
Radcliffe said she is fiscally responsible, accountable and transparent.
“A s County Recorder, I have a proven track record of accomplishing goals and increasing access to public records; as a board member of the Lake County Educational Service Center, I have experience working with others to realize strategic objectives with budgetary constraints,” Radcliffe said.
“I am an experienced, transparent professional in the area of zoning, real estate and land title management. A real estate title examiner for 30 plus years, I frequently handle complex land title transactions in and around Painesville Township. I will work tirelessly to ensure quality services are provided as efficiently as possible.”
She hopes to further economic development without increasing property taxes, maintain and improve community safety and revisit curbside recycling options for the benefit of township residents.