Residents across several communities in Ohio will cast their votes on November 4, 2024, deciding on various local issues and races. This election day features a mix of incumbents and newcomers vying for council positions, as well as important financial measures that could affect local services.
Fairview Park and Lakewood Ballots
In Fairview Park, voters will see familiar faces on the City Council ballot. Incumbents William Minek (Ward 2), Troy J. Greenfield (Ward 3), and Sarah Wering (Ward 4) are running unopposed. Ward 1 will feature newcomer Patrick Lang, who is replacing outgoing council member Bryan Simmerly. Councilwoman Bridget King, recently appointed as council president, faces a challenge from Jeffrey J. Szemplak. Furthermore, residents will vote on Issue 9, a renewal of the 1-mill fire department levy, which generates approximately $328,668 annually. For homeowners assessed at $100,000, this levy would result in an annual cost of $13.
Lakewood’s ballot includes races for both At-Large and Ward 2 council seats. Council-At-Large incumbents Tom Bullock, Sarah Kepple, and Angelina Hamilton Steiner will compete against challengers Brian Higgins, Allison L. Urbanek, and Brian F. Ventura for three available four-year terms. In a separate two-year-term race, Bryan J. Evans, who was appointed last year, will face Kyle V. Robinson. Additionally, voters will choose members for the Lakewood City Schools Board of Education, where incumbents Nora Katzenberger and Betsy Bergen Shaughnessy are challenged by Monica Bruaw and Katie Slife Rustad.
Decisions in North Olmsted and Olmsted Falls
North Olmsted City voters will determine the outcomes of the Ward 3 council and finance director races. Longtime finance director Carrie B. Copfer is up against Keegan Radeff, while Ward 3 councilwoman Mary Gilchrist faces Terry Smith. Other incumbents, including Council President Lou Brossard and Law Director Michael R. Gareau Jr., are running unopposed. Additionally, voters will consider Issue 24, which relates to the city’s ability to access cooperative purchasing programs, providing more flexibility for financial management.
In Olmsted Falls, the race for mayor is heating up, as current Mayor James Graven will not seek a third term. Former Olmsted Falls Fire Chief Chad Gluss, who currently serves on the council, will face Holly Neumann, a member of the Olmsted Falls City Schools Board of Education. The City Council election includes an At-Large race with four candidates vying for three two-year-term seats: incumbents Brian Chitester and Megan Coy, along with Jennifer Jansen and Garry Thompson.
Voters in Olmsted Falls will also decide on three levy renewals: Issue 28, a 1.3-mill police department levy renewal raising $272,000 annually; Issue 29, a 0.65-mill fire department levy renewal generating $136,000 for fire apparatus; and Issue 30, a 1.3-mill levy renewal for street repairs, also raising $272,000 each year. Homeowners with a $100,000 property value will pay approximately $200 annually for these renewals, which do not increase property taxes.
Olmsted Township Elections
The trustee race in Olmsted Township will see incumbent Riley A. Alton running against Chris Anagnostopoulos, who previously contested the position, and current city schools board member Bob Perez. In the Olmsted Falls City Schools Board of Education election, incumbents Phil Eckenrode, Patrick Antos, and Amy Lauderdale are unchallenged for three open four-year terms, while Holly Neumann seeks the mayor’s seat.
As November 4 approaches, residents from Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls, and Olmsted Township will have significant decisions to make regarding their local governance and community services.
