THE PRESS 2PRESSPAPERS.

COM OCTOBER 30, 2013

A5

Listen to Oct. 9 The Press forum online at http://weol.northcoastnow.com/2013/10/14/avon-mayoral-candidate-forum/#more-47051

Election

R ACE F OR M AYOR , AVON

Bryan Jensen Birthdate: Aug. 7, 1960 Occupation/employer: President, Pinehaven Greenhouses and Garden Center, 28 years, Avon Education: Graduate of West Liberty State College, with a double major in business management and general business Government experience: Eight years on Avon City Council, chairman of Parks, Safety, Service committee, member of planning commission and liaison to the French Creek Development Association Spouse/family: Kimberly, married 27 years; daughter, Brittney, age 25, married to Joe Reising; granddaughter, Brynn; and son, Brett, age 22 Years as an Avon resident: 27 years E-mail contact: bryanjensen@centurytel.net Facebook, Twitter page if applicable: Bryan Jensen for Mayor of Avon Website if applicable: bryanjensen.org For the last 20 years Avon has enjoyed the leadership of someone with vision and passion for this city. As Mayor James A. Smith retires you will need to find someone that has that same commitment and passion. Having the most experience of any candidate and being a part of the city for 27 years through my business, my family and my children growing up in the Avon school system, gives me a huge advantage over everyone else. I've been on council longer than two of the candidates have lived here. Being on council for 8 years and being the chairman of Parks, Safety, Service committee, along with being a member of the Planning commission have given me insight into how the city works. I understand what needs to be done and have a plan to accomplish it. Having a business in Avon for some 28 years, seeing the improvements, and understanding the challenges ahead will allow the city to move forward without missing a beat. I have 4 generations of family living here, which allows me to understand from seniors to the youngest generation. My involvement in the city didn't start just at election time. Myself and my whole family have been active here in Avon. That's the way we were brought up. My desire for this community is to build upon the great things that are happening here, with a few improvements and careful planning, make Avon even better. I can't do it without your help. This coming Tuesday, please vote Bryan K. Jensen as your next mayor.

Bryan Jensen

Rich Summers Birthdate: Dec. 31, 1971 Occupation/employer: Attorney with McDonald-Hopkins and assistant law director for the city of Parma; law practice concentration, municipal law and general litigation Government experience: Assistant county prosecutor in Cuyahoga County for almost five years; assistant law director for the city of Parma Spouse/family: Married to Kelli for over 12 years; son Max, 9 Years as an Avon resident: 6 years E-mail contact: summersformayor@gmail.com Facebook: Rich Summers for Avon Mayor Twitter: @ElectRSummers Website: www.richsummersforavonmayor.com Kevin Ward Birthdate: Sept. 21, 1968 Occupation/employer: Business owner/Spartan Group Education: Boston University, Master of Science in business administration; Cleveland State University, bachelors in business administration; Kent State University, Elected Officials Academy Government experience: Avon City Council elected 2009 and 2011; Parks & Recreation Committee chairman; Finance Committee member Spouse/family: Married to Karen Ward for 25 years; children: Kevin Jr., 15, Brittney, 14, Ryan, 11 Years as an Avon resident: 7 E-mail contact: wardforavon@aol.com Facebook, Twitter page if applicable: www.facebook.com/kevinwardforavonmayor Website if applicable: www.wardforavon.com

Rich Summers

I am running for Mayor of Avon because I love this city. When looking for the best community to buy a home and raise our family, my wife and I immediately fell in love with Avon. There is going to be a large amount of development taking place in the near future, including the land at Nagel Road and as evidenced by the "for sale" signs already up in other undeveloped property. I believe planning is the biggest issue facing Avon. We need to tackle our already existing infrastructure challenges while at the same time, ensuring any future development is done with proper planning and strict adherence to zoning codes. I have been an attorney for 15 years, concentrating primarily in municipal law and government affairs. I deal with zoning issues constantly as well as all other aspects of municipal law and will work tirelessly to safeguard our infrastructure. Avon is no longer the small town of years ago. Our next mayor will be responsible for a $35 million budget, over 150 employees and over $100 million in assets. He will be responsible for using your tax dollars wisely. Avon residents are informed voters who want and deserve the best services a city can offer. Voters should ask which candidate has a proven track record of success and has the proven skills and experience to lead and deliver results from day one. I am the only candidate who has led organizations in both the military and business world with hundreds of employees and managed assets over $200 million. Having served overseas as a captain in the U.S. Army, I also understand that success starts at the top with leadership.

An aggressive economic development policy is the cornerstone of our community. Retail can't sustain Avon's tax base. The next mayor needs to be able to recruit businesses to build and locate to Avon. With businesses come well paying jobs that will strengthen and fortify Avon's tax base. As mayor I will develop better communication between residents and the city and as a former county prosecutor I understand the importance of working together with police to keep residents safe. I will make our resident programs even better, including our recreation programs and senior services. I will make the continued partnership with the schools, both private and public, a top priority. Im running for Mayor because I care deeply for Avon and I am invested in our future. With my experience as an attorney in municipal law and government affairs, I am the most qualified candidate. I am a new vision and a new voice for Avon.

Kevin Ward

My objectives: Utilize the expanding tax base to pay down debt, strengthen Avons financial position, and lessen the tax burden on residents. Secure our home values and quality of life by continuing improvements in our roads, utilities and parks. Work with our schools to ensure the success of our children. Maintain a well-trained and equipped police and fire department. Constantly improve service and communications to residents. All four Council members not running for mayor have worked extensively with three of the candidates and will have to work with the next mayor. All four publicly endorsed me, not for family or friendship reasons, but because they have witnessed me in action and believe strongly that I am the right person for the position given my qualifications, experience and leadership skills. I will work together with residents, City Council and city employees to secure Avons future and meet the challenges ahead. I will be honored to serve you as Avons next mayor and ask you to vote Kevin Ward on Nov. 5.

Dan Zegarac Birthdate: Oct. 26, 1955 Occupation/employer: Sales and business manager, Ganley Auto Group, Ganley Chevrolet, Cleveland and Aurora Education: Avon High School, attended Kent State University Government experience: Avon City Council president, twice elected Avon City councilman at large; past member, Avon Charter Review Commission Spouse/family: Divorced; five children, Dan, 31; Joe, 28; Bob, 25; Paul, 23; Katie, 19 Years as an Avon resident: 51 years E-mail contact: danzegarac@yahoo.com Facebook, Twitter page if applicable: Friends of Dan Zegarac for Mayor of Avon Website if applicable: N/A I have enjoyed serving on Avon City Council the last four years; the last two as your Avon City Council president. I am now asking the residents of Avon to elect me as your next mayor. I have said for many months that I believe my experience as city council president, my many years of business and management experience along with my familiarity with Avon will serve you well as Avons next Mayor. I believe in solid processes and teamwork that will accomplish much in our community. I also

believe in tracking and measuring results as a means to improve service to residents. This election season has brought up many of the issues that residents want to improve moving forward, Dan Zegarac some of them infrastructure including traffic and flooding. Your local Avon government needs to listen and work together efficiently and effectively so as to ensure that Avon stays the top-notch community that is Avon. We need to continue to work together so that our tax base serves the residents in Avon. Avons location, our great school system and a wonderful overall community will present Avon many opportunities the next few years that we need to capitalize on. If elected, I will work tirelessly to help keep Avon safe, affordable and a community that we are all very proud to continue to call home.

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