Candidates Answer the Tough Questions

Ten of the 12 candidates running for and seats had lunch with the Tuesday -- and some intense questions for dessert.

All six candidates running for three ward council seats attended the event, as did four of the six school board candidates.

Former Chamber president Doug Kawiecki asked gave brief profiles of each candidate and asked them questions about their leadership skills and their opinions on issues.

A sampling:

SCHOOL BOARD

Greg Scott said he believes pay-to-participate will ultimately hurt Strongsville's sports and music programs. "But at this point, we can't afford it any other way," he said.

He also said he believes the district failed to earn the community's support on a new levy because it "failed to communicate its goals and successes."

Incumbent Carl Naso said the community failed to support the district's last levy attempt because leaders did not convey the importance of the issue. "It's the communication where we're dropping the ball. The schools are doing really well," he said.

He also said he supported pay-to-play because of dire financial woes. "We had to make some really tough cuts."

Richard Micko said running a small business has forced him to pay attention to details. "Every penny counts. That's the kind of experience I think we can apply to the school district."

He also said that if the pay-to-play decision was based on paying supplemental contracts to coaches and advisors, they should have been dealt with "during contract negotiations," not after.

Incumbent Ruth Brickley said she understands why the public turned down the levy and does not consider it a reflection on the performance of the schools. "It's tough times financially," she said.

She also said pay-to-play was necessary, as is voter approval of Issue 15, a renewal levy, this November. "We need this or we're going to cut to the core."

Candidates Ron Schroth and John Pietrasz did not attend.

CITY COUNCIL

In addition to answering questions, candidates were asked to list their main two initiatives if elected:

Jim Carbone, Ward 3: The beautification and redevelopment of Pearl and Prospect roads, including businesses;

Increase the minimum residential lot size to encourage larger homes and preserve land.

Larry Frawley, Ward 3: Review and streamline the requirements to open businesses to encourage new companies to town;

Form an advisory panel of business leaders to share their expertise with the schools.

Ray Haseley, incumbent, Ward 2: Start working to fill the newly accessible 500 acres of industrial land off Foltz Parkway.

Work with the administration to balance the budget next year despite a potential loss of $1.5 million in revenue.

Matthew Schonhut, Ward 2: Work on economic development to encourage businesses to Pearl Road and Foltz Parkway;

Update the infrastructure, replacing sewer systems and maintaining roads.

Scott Maloney, incumbent, Ward 4: Tighten up requirements to serve in elected posts and mandate officials sign a code of ethics.

Tighten architectural standards for businesses and hold developers accountable to them.

Patricia Pell, Ward 4: Continue the widening of Pearl Road;

Add an outdoor pool to the .