Two vie for Ward 3 Council seat in Avon Lake

Avon Lake City Council will welcome a new council member with Ward 3 up for grabs Nov. 5.

Political newcomer Gary Izo and former Councilwoman Holly Moore Kowalski are vying for the seat, which has a four-year term that pays $12,000 annually.

Current Ward 3 Councilwoman Eileen Campo was appointed to the seat in April 2018 following the resignation of longtime councilman Larry Meiners.

Campo decided not to seek election.

Gary Izo

Izo, a retired investigator with the U.S. Department of Justice, is a current member of Avon Lake’s Board of Zoning Appeals and wants to bring his experience to make the city a better place to live as it grows.

“As a Board of Zoning Appeals member, I want a council adapting to the current and future expansion that affects our life,” he wrote in his questionnaire. “Public safety and infrastructure needs will grow as our population increases.

“Our current zoning ordinances are under review and need to be updated. We need to support our existing businesses and encourage others to locate here.

“Establishing a high tech incubator campus along Pin Oak is a first step. We could form partnerships with local businesses and Lorain County Community College. Meaningful job training is critical.”

Izo also pitched the idea of supporting good constituent services and ensuring the city’s financial stability so it can continue into the future.

Holly Moore Kowalski

Kowalski said in a Morning Journal questionnaire, that if elected, she will prioritize keeping Avon Lake safe.

“Avon Lake has always been a safe community, and I want to see that we stay that way,” she said. “I have had several occasions to interact with our safety forces, and I have the utmost respect for them at all levels.”

In addition, Kowalski said she hopes to continue efforts to protect and preserve Lake Erie and make sure the city is fiscally responsible as good stewards of taxpayer money.

“I stand on my record as an active council person and my role in numerous community affairs,” Kowalski added.

Other races

Avon Lake City Council has three members who are running unopposed: Ward 1 Councilman Rob James; Ward 2 Councilwoman Jennifer Fenderbosch; and Ward 4 Councilman David Kos.

With no opposition, the Avon Lake Board of Municipal Utilities will send back Board President John G. Dzwonczyk and members Dana Schnabel and Randy Phillips to new four-year terms.