Meet the Candidates

The spotlight shone on 11 candidates running for City Council during the on Monday evening.

The candidates, all of whom are Republican, are hoping to secure a spot on the ballot this November by being one of the top two vote-getters May 3.

Timing was good for the Candidates Night event, according to members of the Strongsville Republican Club, because vote-by-mail ballots for the May primary were available beginning Tuesday.

 Candidates in Wards 2, 3 and 4 answered a number of questions from more than 100 voters who attended the event at the — from opinions on Senate Bill 5 to discussing the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of the city. 

The candidates also shared why they felt they were the best choice for city council.

Ward 2 Council candidates include incumbent Raymond Haseley, Nathan Prahst, Matthew Schonhut, Bill White and Anthony Zubek.

 Haseley said his dedicated leadership and experience on city council for the past 14 years is why voters should retain him in the Ward 2 post.

“I want to continue to represent Strongsville in Ward 2, while working on industrial development to keep our tax base,” he said. “I want to keep Strongsville a great place to live and work and raise a family."

Prahst, 22, who will soon graduate from Cleveland State University with a degree in business administration, said responsibility, integrity and unity are what politics are all about.

“My utmost purpose is to represent your needs and opinions,” he said. “I’ve seen the city grow and I want to do my part to give back.”

Schonhut, 19, a local landscaping business owner, says he will get the job done if elected to city council.

“I care about the city, about my neighbors and I guarantee you will know me and I will know you,” he said. “We need courageous leadership. I feel there is no better way to give back than to serve as a councilman.”

Meanwhile, White, who is a 25-year resident of Strongsville, said he has seen Ward 2 change dramatically over the years. He said now there is a disconnect with residents and local leaders.

“I am the one to fill that void,” he said. “We are all in this together and I want to put Strongsville back on top.”

Zubek, also a longtime resident, said he will operate with transparency if he is elected. He said he has been an active observer of city council by regularly attending meetings and reading city reports. 

“Council must ask why, how and how much debt is enough,” he said. “I am prepared to serve.”

Running for the Ward 3 post are Jim Carbone, Larry Frawley and Tom McMillen. Current Councilman Mark Roth is not seeking re-election.

Carbone, a school resource officer in North Olmsted, said no one is more passionate about the city than he is.

“I am committed to working hard and I will listen to the residents of Ward 3. I will help when needed. I have a lot of energy to give to the residents.”

Frawley, a small business owner, promises voters that he knows what it is like to balance a budget and to make hard decisions.

“My goal is to make our city government as efficient as possible. I will bring leadership to city council and I will always do the right thing,” he said.

McMillen, also a longtime resident of Strongsville, calls himself “the people’s councilman.”

He said pursuing alternative solutions to all-electric homes, as well as the conditions of streets in Ward 3 top his list of concerns. He would also endorse a “Shop Strongsville” campaign to promote local businesses.

“I will work on your behalf,” he promised.

Running for the Ward 4 council position are Scott Maloney, Patricia Pell and Steven Sinisgalli.

Current councilman Maloney was appointed to replace Michael Gallagher after he was elected to Cuyahoga County Council. If elected, this will be Maloney's first full term.  Maloney admitted many people are angry at government at all levels, but believes things in Strongsville have improved -- especially over the past 10 years.

“I am a hard worker who brings tangible results. I have a strong business background and I base my decisions on the facts—not just emotions,” he said.

Pell, the only female candidate, is no stranger to local government. She served on Parma's City Council in the 1980s.

“From my prior experience, I understand the need and the importance of engaging residents when issues impact them. I will work to gain your trust,” she said.

Building a stronger relationship with the school board by maintaining an open dialogue is also important to her.

Sinisgalli, a banker and longtime resident of Strongsville, said integrity is of the utmost importance, while making sure legislation is done with fairness and due diligence.

“I pledge to work together with residents,” he said. “I bring a track record of leadership and results.”

Ward 1 Councilman Mike Daymut is running unopposed and will proceed to the November election. Mayor Tom Perciak is also unopposed.