Avon Lake mayor’s race a rematch of 2011

The city of Avon Lake will see a rematch of the 2011 mayoral race Nov. 5 with former mayor Karl C. Zuber making a run against two-term incumbent Gregory J. Zilka.

The post pays over $98,000 annually.

Gregory J. Zilka

Zilka announced in February he would seek a third and final four-year term as mayor and hopes to build on his record of promoting the city’s west end economic development and sound fiscal management.

Prior to being elected mayor in a 2011 run-off election against Zuber, Zilka served on Avon Lake City Council for 24 years, including 14 years as Council President.

In eight years as Avon Lake mayor, Zilka says 40 new businesses have opened and he has pursued a strategy of acquiring parcels of land to improve and enhance lakefront economic development.

“Twenty properties have been purchased in an undeveloped area south of

the power plant (NRG Energy) on Lake Road that stretches to Walker Road,” Zilka wrote in a Morning Journal questionnaire.

“A continuous parcel of property is being created and is now available for industrial development.”

Zilka says voters should elect him a third term because he has a strategy to broaden the city’s economic base.

“A land use study is almost completed and it calls for concentrating on the west end of the city and also the intersection of (state) Route 83 and Walker roads and the area of Lear Road and Electric Boulevard,” Zilka wrote. “The ‘Big Box’ development along Interstate 90 in Avon focuses on a broad market.

“Our job is to attract businesses that do not directly compete with that complex as we focus on stores that offer more convenience to Avon Lake citizens.”

He cited the success of city’s bicentennial celebration and increased recreational opportunities as ways it is continuing to attract more residents, and he is proud to have Avon Lake recognized as one of the safest cities in Ohio.

Karl C. Zuber

Zuber wrote in his questionnaire he is hoping to bring his past experience to tackle the city’s economic development priorities with plans to prioritize lakeside economic development, infrastructure and a pledge to bring back the senior garbage discount.

“Avon Lake has the only commercially zoned property on Lake Erie between Pier W and Lorain,” he wrote. “Our community needs to use this commercially zoned land to bring development, excitement and pride to our lakefront.

“Building a marina and attracting shops and restaurants to our lakefront will be the catalyst to spur economic growth to this area once again. As mayor, I will work with businesses, large and small, as well as with our elected officials, to initiate this long-awaited development.” He wrote there is a need to give seniors a break on their garbage fees and said he will prioritize road infrastructure.

“Our streets must be our first priority,” Zuber wrote. “While walking our neighborhoods, I have personally seen the work that needs to be done, specifically, in the Landings, Greenbriar subdivision and Walker Road.

“These streets have been passed over for others. The street program must be a higher priority for the mayor.”

Zuber said as mayor and a councilman, he has a proven record in building opportunities for the community and hopes to continue.

“Avon Lake is a great place to live,” he said. “As mayor, I will bring more effective and efficient management to make Avon Lake an even better place to live, work and raise a family.”