Norton mayor
Amy Addis
Personal information
Addis (I), 53, is single and has one child.
Education
Graduate, Maple Heights High School
Experience
Currently, office administrator, Flowers Financial Group, Insurance and Annuity Products Financial Advisors (about three years)
Formerly, Norton mayor (2000-03)
Formerly, secretary, Norton administration, boards and commission (appointed, 1994-99)
Activities
Formerly, vice president, Ways and Means, Norton Baseball Association
Formerly, coach, Norton Baseball Association
Formerly, chairperson, volunteer, Loyal Oak Cider Festival Committee
Formerly, alternate board member, Summit/Akron Solid Waste Management Authority
Formerly, member, Summit County Mayor’s Association
What makes you the best candidate for the position?
“My experience serving
as Mayor provides me with exceptional knowledge and
familiarity with the local government process. I have
a thorough understanding of what makes an Administration
and its departments highly productive and citizen friendly.
I will provide strong,
effective leadership and direction at City Hall while
allowing the staff to use
their skills and expertise to do their jobs, without
micromanaging. I will maintain
the highest of ethical and moral standards while knowing
it is the public I serve, work for and am accountable
to. If re-elected, I will work cooperatively with Council
to accomplish our goals and provide harmony ... necessary
for the benefit of our City, our citizens and our political
reputation.
“The City of Norton has everything going for it — our prime location in Summit County, highway access, vacant land ripe for development, excellent schools, several established and new residential neighborhoods, and great people. I believe one of the strongest elements of our city is Norton’s rural character. Over the past 10 years, I have heard loud and clear from our residents and property owners that they do not want this to change and I wholeheartedly agree. I believe the key to protecting Norton’s future is balancing our growth with business, commercial, industrial and residential development. I will seek out available funding sources for capital projects instead of placing the financial burden solely on property owners via assessments or additional taxes. Growth is inevitable. However, maintaining independence as a city will insure and protect our destiny and identity. I will provide the strong, effective leadership and the collaboration with council that this delicate balance of growth will require.”
Tom Jones
Personal information
Jones (D), 69, is married and has four children and two grandchildren.
Education
Graduate, St. Vincent High School
Graduate, Hower Vocational
Experience
Currently, Ward 1 Norton City Councilman (2006-present)
Formerly, Ward 1 Norton City Councilman (1990-2002)
Retired, office manager, Akron Barberton Belt Railroad (35 years)
Activities
Currently, member, Barberton Moose
Formerly, member, Norton Planning Commission (appointed, 1988-90)
Formerly, member, Akron Metropolitan
Area Transportation Study Board (1989-90)
Formerly, member, Barberton Chamber of Commerce
Formerly, member, VFW Norton Post
What makes you the best candidate for the position?
“I have been elected to represent the citizens of Ward 1 four times and am currently serving my 14th year. I care about the community, specifically the rights and respect due all citizens. Being retired, I make a point of getting out and talking to the citizens. I feel this is the only way to get legitimate feedback.
“One of the major issues facing us is the funding of our police department, which requires 43 percent of our general fund. At some point, common sense must prevail. Getting Issue No. 45 to the voters was a labor of concern for financial responsibility. Had my Council peers had their way, voters would NOT have had the opportunity to vote on this controversial issue. Council even refused to allow a presentation by the Summit County Sheriff’s Office thereby prohibiting the citizens from hearing the facts. This should not be an emotional issue; it should be considered on its financial merits only.
“As for City Hall, it requires hands-on, daily management. The responsibility of the Mayor’s position requires daily diligence and commitment.
“The City of Norton is starving for two things: truth and leadership. We are getting neither now. Rest assured, when I am elected Mayor, I will be a presence.”
David Koontz
Personal information
Koontz (R), 50, is married and has two children.
Education
B.S., The University of Akron, civil engineering, 1980
Experience
Currently, project manager, CTI Engineers Inc. (5-1/2 years)
Formerly, project manager, McCoy Associates, (11-1/2 years)
Formerly, Ward 2 Norton City Councilman, (elected, 1998-2001)
Formerly, city engineer, Norton (1993-96)
Activities
Formerly, member, Norton City Schools Facilities Planning Committee (1999-2000)
Formerly, city representative, Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (2004-07)
Formerly, member, Norton-Barberton Merger Study Committee (2002)
What makes you the best candidate for the position?
“I consider myself the best candidate for Mayor of Norton because I possess the best combination of knowledge, experience and temperament to lead our City. My background on council, and as a managing civil engineer, gives me credentials unique among the candidates. In addition, my cool-headed and cooperative approach will go a long way to restore stability to Norton and lead us to a better future.
I am ready to hit the ground running, and already I have met with our City Administrator, Finance Director, Community Development Coordinator and several council members. I have also met to discuss Norton issues with State Rep. Brian Williams [D-District 41], County Executive Russ Pry, County Council President Nick Kostandaras [D-District 1], County Councilman Tim Crawford [D-District 7] and County Engineer Greg Bachman.
“I will do my best to increase confidence in City Hall, to extend our services to our citizens and to spur smart growth in Norton. My development and funding experience will help Norton attract critical economic development projects. I will work to trim costs, increase outside funding, and enter into regional partnerships where appropriate, to administer our tax dollars wisely. I am sensible, communicative and fair, and I will always remember that I was elected to serve the public.”
Editor’s note: Norman Kendall, an Independent candidate for Norton mayor, did not submit information to be included in the West Side Leader’s Voter Guide.
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