Richfield Village mayor
Bobbie Beshara
Personal information
Beshara, 51, is widowed and has two children and one stepchild.
Education
Associate of arts degree, Cuyahoga Community College, 1976
B.S., Kent State University, elementary education, special education, 1981
Experience
Currently, vice president, Richfield Village Council (appointed, 1993; elected, 1994; elected, 1998; appointed, 2003; elected, 2005)
Currently, risk management administrator, Ohio Youth Soccer Association North (three years)
Formerly, special education attendant, special education teacher, Summit County Educational Services, Cuyahoga Falls and Tallmadge city school districts
Activities
Chairwoman, Richfield Village Council Safety Committee, Cable Committee
Richfield Village Council’s liaison to Richfield Township
Member, Richfield Veterans Memorial Commission
What makes you the best candidate for the position?
“As mayor, I will redirect the focus of the Village’s thinking back to the residents needs. My priority is to shift the current philosophy of massive land purchases by utilizing funds for extending water and sewer to requested residential properties. Other priorities would be the redevelopment of blighted commercial properties along Brecksville Road, renegotiation of the safety forces contracts and utilization of currently owned properties for active recreation. I am responsive to the residents and employees and as Mayor will continue to be decisive in all matters concerning our community. My voting record on Council and the commitment I have made to the Village of Richfield is why I am the best candidate for this position.”
Michael Lyons
Personal information
Incumbent Lyons, 53, is single. Education
B.A., Cleveland State University, education, art, 1978
Undergraduate courses, Kent State University (KSU), English, mathematics, architecture
M.A., KSU, political science, 1982
J.D., Case Western Reserve University
Experience
Currently, Richfield Village mayor (four years)
Currently, law director (solicitor), city of Norton (seven years)
Formerly, Richfield Village Councilman (elected, 1988-95, 1998-2005)
Formerly, assistant prosecuting attorney, Medina County Prosecutor’s Office
Activities
Formerly, board president, Cornerstone Wellness Inc. (2002-03)
Formerly, president, Richfield Village Council (1998-2001, 2003)
Formerly, member, Richfield Village Planning Commission (1996-97)
Formerly, Richfield Village Council representative to Richfield Village Planning Commission (1994-95)
Formerly, member, chairman, Richfield Village Council committees
Member, Akron, Ohio, Medina County, Cleveland bar associations
Formerly, member (seven years), past chairman (two years), Medina Bar Grievance Committee
What makes you the best candidate for the position?
“Personal skills: I have an excellent ability to facilitate group decision-making, which is at the core of the local governmental process. I have demonstrated my skill to lead the decision making process in a way that invites valuable input from all participants and considers long range views. I identify core issues, keep discussions focused, and move the process toward action when needed.
“Connection with Richfield: I was born and raised in Richfield and I have been an active member of the community. I know Richfield, and I believe I have a sense of where we have been and an understanding of the anxieties about where we are headed. I do not have the answers in my head, but I have a compass in my heart connected to the history of the community, and I think I know how to ask the right questions.
“Professional Experience: I have served as a counselor-at-law to elected officials at the township, municipal and county levels of government for the past 14 years. I have advised and represented government officials in matters of policy, administration and litigation. There is little done at the local level of government for which I have not had significant responsibility. I also have four years of experience as mayor.”
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