Norton City Council, at large
Ralph Beddow
Personal information
Beddow (D), 70, is married and has two children and nine grandchildren.
Education
B.A., Heidelberg College, 1954
M.A. Bowling Green State University, 1961
Post master’s degree work, The University of Akron, Kent State University, Purdue University
Experience
Currently, owner of Beddow Farms
Retired, educator
Formerly, at-large Norton City Councilman
Activities
No information provided
What makes you the best candidate for the position?
“No. 1: My ability to work
with all types of individuals; No. 2: fiscal ability;
and No. 3: knowledge of community.”
William Conte
Personal information
Conte (R), 52, is divorced and has three children and two grandchildren.
Education
B.S., The University of Akron, accounting, 1980
Experience
Currently, president, Conte Co. CPA Inc. (1987-2007)
Currently, a certified public accountant and registered investment adviser
Activities
No information provided
What makes you the best candidate for the position?
“With nearly 28 years of
diverse financial, tax, auditing and entrepreneurial
activity experiences, I am poised to deliver these to
the community to assist me in office so that my three
major objectives mentioned, as well as the day-to-day
activities of the City of Norton, will be professionally
managed. As a Certified Public Accountant with previous
experience in city governmental auditing and finance,
I feel uniquely and technically qualified to lead Norton
in the direction of continuing
economic growth, while still maintaining most of its
desirable suburban/rural feel.
With an excellent school system, a lower real-estate
tax rate and extensive interstate
roadway access, Norton is strongly positioned to leverage
those assets to attract the businesses and residents
all good cities desire. I suggest that Norton market
itself in that manner to regional and national audiences
to obtain stronger continued prosperity, while still
controlling the growth of ‘big government’
and taxes.”
Brenda Hlas
Personal information
Incumbent Hlas (D), 48, is married and has five children.
Education
No information provided
Experience
Currently, at-large Norton City Councilwoman (appointed 2007)
Formerly, Ward 1 Norton City Councilwoman (elected, 2002-05)
Formerly, president, Norton City Council (2005)
Activities
Program coordinator, Panther Parents Athletic Booster Club
Member, PIE (parent/teacher association for Norton Local Schools District)
Formerly, member, Norton Baseball Association
Formerly, Girl Scout troop leader
What makes you the best candidate for the position?
“I am dedicated to being the best council person I can be. I am continually educating myself on everything.
“I am always prepared for
the decisions we make as a council. I will hold town
meeting as I did when I was a Ward 1 Councilperson.
I am not afraid to fight for what I believe
is in the best interest of the resident and/or the City
of Norton. If elected I will continue to do the best
job that I can. I want to start a road program with
money from the general fund
not borrowed as was done in the past. We need to concentrate
on getting businesses in Norton as well as Water &
Sewer to the Business districts. I am currently working
with property owners to get additional park land and
would like to apply for some grant money. I have proven
that outsourcing our police department is not cost effective
for the City.”
Scott Pelot
Personal information
Incumbent Pelot (D), 40, is married and has three children.
Education
B.S., Hammel College, accounting, 1987
Experience
Currently, at-large Norton City Councilman (elected, 2004-present)
Currently, manager of scheduling, inventory control and global logistics, Hygenic Corp. (1988-present)
Formerly, store manager, All Parts Automotive
Activities
Chairman, Norton Service Committee (2007)
Vice chairman, Norton Safety Committee (2007)
Member, Personnel/Rules Committee (2007)
Formerly, member, chairman, Norton Planning Committee (2006)
Formerly, member, Norton Planning Commission (2003)
What makes you the best candidate for the position?
“Over the past four years
I have had the privilege of overseeing and supporting
the planning and future construction of over 700 new
homes and 25 new businesses in Norton. I offer continued
Controlled Economic Growth. Controlled Growth is essential
in building our tax base and developing an annual road
program. I realize it is critical for Norton to continue
to expand business opportunities to insure its economic
stability. Capitalizing on the growth of surrounding
communities will help us achieve this goal. Improving
Norton’s infrastructure will give us the ability
to attract and sustain new business. This will ultimately
reduce the burden on the tax payers and provide the
financial resources necessary to continue to improve
our schools, safety forces, city services and infrastructure.
I believe my time on Council, my accounting degree,
as well as my professional experience as Manager
of Scheduling, Inventory Control and Global Logistics
has provided me the skills and knowledge necessary to
enhance Norton’s future, making it a better place
to live. It is time for us to utilize our resources
and stand on our own. I support our Police, Fire and
Schools. I offer commitment, dedication, leadership
and teamwork to protect your safety and Norton’s
future.”
Alex Stavarz
Personal information
Stavarz (R), 64, is married and
has two children and five grandchildren.
Education
Graduate, Norton High
School, 1960
Experience
Currently, owner, Norton Tool
Rental (18 years)
Formerly, owner, Stavarz Construction
(since 1969)
Formerly, at-large Norton City
Councilman (elected, 1992-95)
Activities
Chairman, Norton Planning Commission
Member, Advisory Committee Comprehensive
Plan
Member, Norton Board of Building
and Zoning Appeals
Formerly, president, Norton Fraternal
Order of Police Associates
What makes you the best candidate
for the position?
“For many years I stayed
involved in community activities, served on Council
and various boards and
commissions, the latest being the comprehensive plan
committee. I also have attended Council meetings on
a regular basis for over 20 years. I know the issues
and problems that face our city
and residents. I will respond to all resident concerns,
something that is not happening now.”
Michael Zita
Personal information
Incumbent Zita (R), 46, is married
and has two children.
Education
Norton High School, 1980
St. Thomas Hospital Paramedic
Education, 1982
Experience
Currently, at-large Norton
City Councilman (elected, 2004-present)
Currently, employed with F.W.
Albrecht Grocery Co. (1979-present)
Activities
Chairman, Norton Property Committee,
Vice chairman, Norton Personnel/Rules
Committee
Member, Planning Committee
Formerly, president, Norton City
Council (2006)
Formerly, vice president, Norton
City Council (2005)
Formerly, member, Norton Health
Advisory Board (2005-06)
What makes you the best candidate
for the position?
“As council-at-large, you
need to make the best decisions for the city as a whole.
I feel over the past four years, I have made these decisions
with integrity, extensive
research and the best interest of the city in mind.
In addition, I believe I have proven to the community
that I make myself available to them, give them honest
answers and follow through when questions are asked.
“If re-elected, my goal
is to continue to keep the city moving in a forward
direction. I hope to continue progress on short-term
goals, as well as pursuing opportunities in support
of long-term goals and community development. I believe
we need to move in a direction that will benefit the
community today and for many years to come.”
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