Candidates seek Kirtland Council seats

Four seats on Kirtland City Council have drawn seven candidates for the Nov. 7 general election.

Julie Symonds and Don Webbe are running for the open Ward 1 seat, with incumbent Richard Lowery not seeking re-election. The Ward 2 seat is being contested by incumbent Scott Haymer and challenger Katarina Vesna Mijic-Barisic. Carol Martz is challenging incumbent Joseph Smolic in Ward 3, while incumbent Sue Grazia is running unopposed in Ward 4.

The winning candidates will start four-year terms on Dec. 1. According to city Finance Director Louis Slapnicker, they will receive a salary of $4,000 per year.

There were 5,335 registered voters in Kirtland as of Oct. 20, according to the Lake County Elections Board.

Here are some of the responses provided by the candidates in contested wards to a questionnaire sent by The News-Herald:

Ward 1 Julie Symonds

Symonds said that improving community communications would be one area of focus if she is elected, “including posted briefs at the senior center, social media updates and using the city’s website, as well as working with news publications.”

She would also consider how to involve middle and high school students in city operations, such as inviting them to attend council meetings, assisting with a citywide day of giving and “allowing them to have some ownership” in the city.

Additional priorities for Symonds include road maintenance, infrastructure needs and resource allocation.

“I am passionate about our city and want to ensure we protect the best of the small-town culture we have created in Kirtland, while also being open to opportunities for growth which can further improve our city,” she said. “I understand the delicate balance between those two concepts and believe we can achieve that balance by listening to our residents and continuously evaluating and adapting.”

Don Webbe

If elected, Webbe said that he would aim to “bring in beautiful new development to the city, fix the roads and stop the sale of our city hall.”

“If brought back to serve, I will work tirelessly to contribute, guide and question when needed to make this happen,” he added.

When discussing why he should be elected, Webbe referenced his “decades of elected and unelected experience in this community.” He previously served on City Council and as a volunteer in the community’s fire department.

“I’m for a plan to raise revenues without raising taxes or selling off Kirtland assets,” he added. “I understand how critical it is to support our safety and service forces to keep this community a great place to live. I have the perspective and understanding that 76 years can bring to benefit all of our residents. You can be sure I will speak my mind to benefit the residents and the community.”

Ward 2 Scott Haymer

If re-elected, Haymer said that he will focus on listening to community members.

“When I was elected four years ago I said that if we worked together we could improve our community and build a culture of helpfulness,” he said. “I believe that even more today.”

“If we listen to our residents we will make exactly the right choices when it comes to cost efficiencies, improving our services and eventually funding our roads,” he added.

He also intends to address the needs of the community’s youth and seniors.

Another priority for Haymer is “leveraging the many visitors” to Kirtland for economic development.

“My lifelong residency, business experience and proven track record of community involvement should be attractive to voters who want their voice to be heard at city hall,” he said. “But I still have a lot to learn and I will remain approachable and open-minded as I work for progress and the future of our residents and taxpayers.”

Katarina Vesna MijicBarisic

If elected, one priority for Mijic-Barisic will be to “reduce city government spending.”

She would consider “the need for the expenditure and benefit to the residents” before spending taxpayer dollars.

Another priority would be increasing transparency.

“I find it challenging to get all the facts from this administration,” Mijic-Barisic said. “Only portions of legislation are posted on the city’s website.”

She would also seek “to change the current practice of passing legislation on the same day it is introduced.”

A third area of focus would be “responsible economic development.”

“Our city government should not be quick to enter into any type of legal arrangement for economic development without a clear directive from a majority

of residents,” Mijic-Barisic said.

She would also seek county, state and federal funding.

“The voters should elect me because I possess the skills, knowledge, drive and willingness to ask challenging questions,” Mijic-Barisic said. “My goal is openly communicating with residents to address their needs without raising taxes.”

Ward 3 Carol Martz

If elected, Martz would work to follow state policies for buying goods and services, including reading resolutions at three meetings and “minimizing the use of passing as emergency.”

“With a new town center proposal being explored by the current administration, there is significant opportunity for non-compliance,” she added.

City services would be a second priority.

“Many services have been cut or scaled back,” Martz said, adding, “We need better planning and goals to avoid higher costs along with accountability in decision making and spending.”

Revenue “to sustain, develop and grow” would be a third priority.

“We cannot cut costs to create prosperity nor can we borrow our way to prosperity,” Martz said.

She cited her job experience and education when discussing why she should be elected.

“I will make sure decisions are made thoughtfully, not rushed, and for the right reason — which is what is best for Kirtland, not individuals,” Martz said.

Joseph Smolic

If re-elected, city finances will be an area of focus for Smolic.

“I am proud to be part of the leadership team that has fortified city finances the past four years,” he said. “Maintaining that strength is a never ending task.”

Smolic said he would also work to “bring certainty” to the city’s road funding, “whether through operational cost efficiencies or revenue enhancement.”

A final priority would be to “thoughtfully listen to and communicate with” city residents.

When discussing why he should be elected, Smolic referenced his eight years in office. During that time, he said that he “defended” resident tax dollars, increased transparency at City Hall and contributed to the city’s 10-year road plan.

“As a result, I have gained knowledge and understanding of city operations which will best serve the citizens of Ward 3 and Kirtland going forward in addressing whatever challenges we may face,” he added.