As part of our May 3 election coverage, we asked candidates in the county’s two contested races — those for commissioner and auditor — a series of questions to help you cast an informed vote.
The Portager has not edited the candidates’ answers in any way.
For a guide to the issues on the May 3 ballot, see our article here.
Candidates for county commissioner
Name: Ed Dean
Age: 67
Residence: Deerfield, OH
Party: Republican
How long have you lived in Portage County? My whole life
Briefly describe your educational and professional background: Graduate of Southeast High School, numerous continuing education courses. Retired from a steel mill in 2008. First elected Deerfield Township Trustee in 1999. Recently reelected into my 5th 4 year term as Trustee.
Are you involved in any community organizations? Which ones? Deerfield Civics Association, Portage County Habitat for Humanity, Portage County Farm Bureau, Vice Chair of Portage County Township Association. Vice Chair of Portage Republican Party. Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce. Associate Member of the Fraternal Order of Police.
Why do you want this job? I’d like to continue to move Portage County forward by attracting business to provide a better tax base and to make sure tax payers dollars are spent. Wisely and efficiently.
How many hours per week will you commit to your potential new role? This will be my full time job so I will spend as many hours as needed to help fulfill the needs of the residents of Portage County.
In 2020, the commission passed a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. How will you address inequalities among Portage County residents? I will be a commissioner for ALL residents of Portage County and follow all Sunshine Laws and be fully transparent in all decisions made by the board.
Budgeting for departments and offices has been seemingly ad hoc in recent years. What framework should be used to determine funding levels among county agencies? I strongly disagree that the budgets were done ad hoc. Department heads prepared their budget needs for the Commissioners and presented them during a public hearing, which should continue in future budget cycles. Budget heads should be very thorough, precise and accurate in their presentations. All budget request should be able to be justified when questions are asked by the Commissioners.
Which specific policy decisions did you most agree with under the current board of commissioners and why? Recently the Commissioners and Personnel Department heads held talks with the Department heads explaining to them the need for all their employees to fulfill their jobs in person with no more working from home being accepted. This was done across the board so that all departments are onthe same page.
Which specific policy decisions did you most disagree with and why? I initially disagreed with the commissioners decision not to move forward more quickly with capital Improvement projects. However recently the commisioners have indeed began moving forward at a rapid and well planned effort.
Do you believe the board is transparent and accessible to Portage County citizens? If not, how would you fix this? I do believe the board is very transparent in all decisions. In the near future the board will be live streaming all public meetings to help insure that the transparency continues and improves.
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Name: Dr. Geraldine H. Nelson
Age: 66 (really)
Residence: Kent, OH
Party: Democratic
How long have you lived in Portage County? I have resided and or worked in Portage County for over 30 years.
Briefly describe your educational and Professional Background: B.S. Education, M.Ed., and Doctorate in Higher Education and Administration Certification in Diversity and Inclusion.
Are you involved in any community organizations? Which ones? Key leadership traits – I possess strong values and ethical standards, policies, and practices that will be utilized as basic foundational practices in my behavior and thinking. These same traits are the foundation of county agencies and bodies. I am a recognized leader across academic, community, and non-profit organizations.
I bring my experience as an Associate Dean, Associate Vice President, Executive Director, knowledge of Human Resources, and overall budgeting experience. I have provided oversite and managed over 1.4 million dollars in Federal grants and programs, with oversite of various levels of management
Boards and Memberships: I have partnered with various School Districts, The Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Ohio, Board Member-United Way of Portage County, Education Chair for Ohio Conference of NAACP Chapters, Portage County NAACP, King Kennedy Center, Leadership Portage County Alum., Board member Portage County Community Action Council, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Ohio Conference of NAACP State Education Chair, Past President of Pan African Faculty and Staff Association, Kent Retired Staff Association,
Why do you want this job? Here’s what I want you to know about me and why I’m running for Portage County Commissioner. I’ve invested my heart and soul serving in various leadership roles in this county — in higher education, on non-profit boards, and recently as President of the Portage County NAACP. I worked for 30-plus years at Kent State University, the largest employer in Portage County, helping our students succeed not only in the classroom, but preparing them to become leaders and engaged citizens in our community.
Everything I have learned in my life — my experience bringing people together to find common cause and common-sense solutions — has led me to this moment. Our people are truly the greatest assets we have; we know that when our people succeed, we all move forward, and so too does Portage County. As Commissioner, I will help Portage County move forward by providing the leadership we desperately need, and a plan of action that helps us address and prioritize the challenges ahead: bringing sustainable economic development, bridging the digital divide in our rural communities, helping create jobs that pay a fair wage, and giving voice to the concerns of our young people.
How many hours per week will you commit to your potential new role? This will be my full-time job and full-time commitment, 40-hrs a week at minimum. The people of Portage County deserve my full-time engagement, and that’s what they will get when I take office in January 2023.
In 2020, the commission passed a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. How will you address inequalities among Portage County residents? I will continue to coordinate and collaborate with various entities in addressing and bringing attention and finding solutions to address inequalities across the county. There have been small strides, but there remains the needed listening and having the conversation with leadership- top down approach. Life and our scriptures said it best: “The truth will set you free.” So, we start this conversation – a critical conversation that we can no longer avoid having — by being honest and clear-eyed. And that means speaking truth about the policies and practices that have set obstacles in the way forward for many of our Black and Brown residents. I have dealt with these issues my entire life and throughout my career, and I dealt with them by facing them head-on; avoidance doesn’t move us forward. And dialogue only works when we actively (and authentically) listen to all takes, all sides, all opinions – even those we disagree with — when we discuss the uncomfortable yet unavoidable topic of race. I know how to address inequalities in our community because I am comfortable having uncomfortable conversations and identifying common ground amongst all parties. And finding common ground is what is needed to move all of us forward – which is what I have been doing for the last 30 years, and what I will continue to do as Commissioner.
Budgeting for departments and offices has been seemingly ad hoc in recent years. What framework should be used to determine funding levels among county agencies? Budgets are simply a reflection of what we value and prioritize as a people, as a society, and as human beings. The county budget is no different. The best budgets are those that reflect our common values and common interests, and the resources our people need to thrive as citizens, as business leaders, and as workers. Determining how much we spend, and what projects we prioritize, should never be an ad-hoc exercise. Upon taking office in January, I will work with my fellow commissioners and other stakeholders to develop a strategic “plan of action” for the county, a plan that will provide much needed clarity about our vision and mission for moving our county forward, setting timelines, goals and benchmarks of success. This important work will set the framework for future budget discussions and lead us to make informed decisions about the funding we’ll need to meet those goals.
Which specific policy decisions did you most agree with under the current board of commissioners and why? Like many others in our beloved community, I was thrilled when the Board of Commissioners agreed to allocate $127,000 to the phase one build-out of a multi-purpose facility and gymnasium at the King Kennedy Community Center, located in the historic McElrath neighborhood in Ravenna Township. This new gymnasium — the dream of many residents for 50 years — represents a real game-changer for the community, as the new facility provides additional space for children’s programming, youth activities, and a gathering place for residents throughout the region.
Which specific policy decisions did you most disagree with and why? Rather than focus on any particular policy I may take issue with, I think the “big miss” by commissioners is one of one of omission – that is, the lack of a strategic plan. Without a vision for how we move forward to guide us, policy and budget priorities become ad-hoc and messy affairs. As mentioned previously, when elected I will work with my fellow commissioners and other stakeholders to develop a strategic “plan of action” that will provide much needed clarity about our vision and mission for moving our county forward.
Do you believe the board is transparent and accessible to Portage County citizens? If not, how would you fix this? We can do better. Streaming video of Commissioner meetings — provided by the Portager (thank you) — is wonderful, but many of the citizens I’m talking to in our county have no idea about what our Commissioners do, and the important budgetary decisions they are making. I believe helping our citizens understand county spending (and the overall county budget) is a big part of a commissioner’s job. Not only do residents need to get these budget updates via weekly commissioner meetings, commissioners also need to provide more context and explanation behind the decisions being made. When we take the time to explain the values behind our decisions, we are much more likely to get greater buy-in than when we simply recite the numbers.
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Name: Timothy Patrick Moon
Age: 59
Residence: Randolph Township
Party: Democratic
How long have you lived in Portage County? I have lived in Portage County for 40 years.
Briefly describe your educational and professional background: I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Kent State University majoring in Criminal Justice.
I have worked for the county for 34 years in various positions:
Juvenile Probation Officer
Supervisor Juvenile Detention Center
Adult Probation Officer
Investigator for the Prosecutor’s Office
I also owned and operated a successful process serving business for 15 years, working primarily on evenings and weekends.
Are you involved in any community organizations? Which ones? I belong to several community organizations including: Portage County Fraternal Order of Police, Portage County NAACP, Portage County Historical Society , League of Women Voters of Kent, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.
Why do you want this job? I have never been a politician but I believe my experience working for the county has made me uniquely qualified for the job. I have worked diligently to foster trusting relationships with citizens in the community. I am strongly driven by ethics and am committed to treating every person, issue and idea with deliberation and respect. I am an excellent listener and able to remain calm in stressful situations. I have been to all corners of the community and seen areas that are thriving and other places that show opportunities for growth. As commissioner I will make every effort to ensure Portage County residents have equal access to important services such as health care, mental health services, drug and alcohol counseling, and quality day care regardless of where they live. I’m also a strong believer that all residents must have access to broadband. The Internet is no longer just for entertainment purposes. In my opinion, broadband is essential to job growth, healthcare, and education.
How many hours per week will you commit to your potential new role? The position of County Commissioner will be my full-time job. I will be in the office everyday, ready to meet the needs of the community. If there is a need to meet after regular business hours, I will create additional time in the evening to meet with anybody that needs to be heard. In addition I plan to continue to regularly attend evening meetings in the Villages, Cities, Townships and School Boards within the County. Being available is imperative for a Commissioner.
In 2020, the commission passed a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. How will you address inequalities among Portage County residents? The 2020 commission identified pervasive racism as a public health crisis. People of color are far more likely to find themselves homeless, incarcerated or facing economic hardships. Kathleen Cylde, while serving as a county commissioner, presented a 4 page resolution. It called for commissioners to advance activities that address diversity, enhance educational efforts aimed at dismantling racism, and advocate for policies that improve health in communities of color and implement racial equity training.
I stand behind this resolution and feel it is our duty to raise awareness of the inequalities that face minority groups and make sure we work to reverse this crisis. As commissioner, I will meet with diverse groups of citizens to learn what issues impact their communities most. Funds will be allocated for use by law enforcement for ethical training and education on racial issues. We need to ensure that residents are aware of free clinic hours available at NEOMED as well as mental health services and drug and alcohol counseling in Portage County. All county employees should have the opportunity to participate in the cost of poverty experience as it gives everyone a glimpse of the hardships faced by many people of color because of racism. As a government and a nation, we are obligated to dedicate time, funds, and resources to eradicating the menace of racism from our country.
Budgeting for departments and offices has been seemingly ad hoc in recent years. What framework should be used to determine funding levels among county agencies? The basic outline of the county budget is set by law and flexibility of the commissioners is often hampered by state mandates. Just as you create a budget for your personal finances, the county also creates a budget based on expected revenues and expenditures. To make a successful budget it must involve and promote effective communication with its stakeholders – the citizens of the county.
Financial responsibility is core to both my campaign platform and personal ideology. I pledge to work closely with my fellow Commissioners and other elected officials on reworking the current budgeting system and practices. A new and more robust approach to applying for funds must be created and adhered to. County offices and departments should be able to articulate what they need, why they need it, and how they will measure and demonstrate the efficacy of their programs.
Which specific policy decisions did you most agree with under the current board of commissioners and why? Since watching and attending the Commissioners meetings, I have increasingly found the job of Commissioner to be quite dynamic and all encompassing. Each commissioner has been very generous with their time with me to explain different aspects of many decisions they have made during their tenure.
I am extremely excited about the Regional Planning’s 2050 Vision and Comprehensive Plan. It addresses nearly every aspect of improving Portage County, including the following: infrastructure, economic development, community services, land use and agriculture. As commissioner I plan to have an impact on the planning and implementation as expeditiously as possible. I also appreciate the Board’s efforts to pay county employees a competitive wage rivaling neighboring counties and the private sector.
Which specific policy decisions did you most disagree with and why? While I have concerns about transparency and how money has been allocated, I prefer to look to the future when I will be able to influence decisions.
Do you believe the board is transparent and accessible to Portage County citizens? If not, how would you fix this? I believe additional transparency is needed in every level of our government, with the Portage County Board of Commissioners being no exception. Without a strong line of communication between a public servant and their constituents, the entire purpose of a democratic government is negated. Citizens are entitled to clear and readily available information on the issues and events happening in their hometown.
I have built my livelihood on one-on-one interactions and listening. I intend to bring this attitude to the office and make myself readily available to anyone with an idea or concern, whether in person or digitally.
There are also clear steps that can and should be taken to increase the board’s transparency. The current audio and visual system should be promptly fixed so meetings can be easily watched and heard. The Portager has been a blessing with the ability to provide video and sound. However, I personally have a hard time hearing the meetings online. Scheduled evening hours could provide valuable opportunities to hear community feedback. As previously mentioned, I will be happy to extend office hours several days a week. As commissioner, I will have an “open door” policy and will return phone calls promptly.
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Name: Mike Tinlin
Age: I am 62 years of age.
Residence: I currently reside at 4679 King Meadow Trail, Kent.
Party: Republican
How long have you lived in Portage County? I’ve lived in Portage County all of my life. I was born at Robinson Memorial Hospital. I’ve lived in Garrettsville, Streetsboro, Mantua, Aurora, and Kent.
Briefly describe your educational and professional background: I began my Law Enforcement career here in Portage County at the age of 16. I was the youngest Law Enforcement Officer ever in the United States. At the age of 21, I held the rank of Patrol Commander for the PCSO. I went to Hudson Township in 1983 where I held the rank of Lieutenant/Admin to the Chief. Upon the merger of Hudson Township and Hudson City, I was promoted to the rank of Captain/Asst. to the Chief. I worked for Hudson for 21 years and resigned to become Chief of Police for the City of Aurora. During my time in Law Enforcement, I was also was Fire Fighter for the City of Streetsboro and served as interim Chief. While living in Streetsboro, I also served as a Councilman. When we moved to Aurora, I became a part time Fire Fighter with the City of Aurora.
I graduated from James A. Garfield High School, The Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (where I also taught for 20 yrs. )and The Ohio Fire Academy. I also graduated from The FBI National Academy Class #205, where I studied Media Relations, Public Communications, Emergency Management and Crisis Intervention, Government Budgeting and Purchasing and Finance in association with the University of Virginia. I am also a prior Owner/Operator of Community Ambulance Service.
Are you involved in any community organizations? Which ones? I belong to the Portage County FOP #70, Masonic Lodge #757 and Al Koran Shrine. I am a State officer for the Widows Sons, which is a Masonic Riders Assoc. I am a member of the Kent Chamber of Commerce, FBI National Academy Association and the American Board for Certification in Homeland Security.
Why do you want this job? This question was a good one, “Why do you want this job?” I don’t need this job… I WANT IT! I have been a public servant since I was 16 years old. I will continue to serve the public in whatever capacity possible. My heart is here in Portage County and with it’s people. I care for the citizens of Portage County and think it is very important to listen to the people of the county. I will not make knee jerk decisions when it comes to the welfare of the citizens of the county. I will always keep you informed.
How many hours per week will you commit to your potential new role? I will be a Commissioner that is always available to our County Residents. I will be in the office Monday through Friday to help with the needs of our County. I will not just show up for the Tuesday and Thursday meetings. I am not committed to another job. I will be available with an open door policy.
In 2020, the commission passed a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. How will you address inequalities among Portage County residents? Resolution 20-0562 contains vital information to our County. It contains important statistics that we should all be aware of. Racism and inequality are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Budgeting for departments and offices has been seemingly ad hoc in recent years. What framework should be used to determine funding levels among county agencies? I feel that each Department Head or Elected Official should compile a budget request for their specific NEEDS not WANTS. We need to be proactive not reactive to their needs. Safety and Security of our citizens and personnel should be first and foremost.
Which specific policy decisions did you most agree with under the current board of commissioners and why? I agree with the salary increases for the Sheriff Department, the possibility of the expansion of the Courthouse and the possibility of a third Common Pleas Judge.
Which specific policy decisions did you most disagree with and why? I disagree with the Commissioners using “Executive Session” to discuss financial decisions regarding the county. The citizens have every right to know what is being discussed regarding the spending of their tax dollars. The current Commission has abused their power for Executive Session. The purpose of Executive Session is to discuss personnel issues such as hiring, firing, discipline and legal suits involving the county. Our current commissioners are using Executive Session to exclude meeting attendees from knowing what is going on at their meetings or how tax dollars are being spent.
I would like to thank The Portager for the opportunity to respond to these questions.
Do you believe the board is transparent and accessible to Portage County citizens? If not, how would you fix this? [Question not answered]
Candidates for county auditor
Name: Brian M. Ames
Age: 70
Residence: Randolph Township (2632 Ranfield Rd, Mogadore, OH 44260
Party: Republican
How long have you lived in Portage County? Since July 1986. (36 years)
Briefly describe your educational and professional background:
Education:
B.S.E.E. + Portuguese at Penn State, grad studies in management at Central Michigan University, foreign languages, Spanish, Italian at Macomb County Community College, Masters in Administrative Science at University of Alabama in Huntsville, private pilot, certified professional logistician, #1182, amatuer extra radio liscense AC8WX.
Professional:
Goodyear Aerospace/Loral/Lockheed Martin for 26 years, missiles, flight simulators, software engineering, inventions (3 patents), project management, cost accounting, proposal writing, geospatial information systems, life cycle cost analysis.
NASA Glenn Research Center (subcontractor) for 5 years, Space communications.
Are you involved in any community organizations? Which ones?
Prior to the pandemic:
St. Patrick School: tech support volunteer for 15 years, school advisory board for 6 years.
Ravenna Community Choir, Kent Chorus, Stow Symphony Chorus, Gospel Meets Symphony Chorus, Akron Symphony Chorus.
Current:
Project Promise.
Portage County Republican Central Committee.
Why do you want this job? Based on my experience and observations, I see many improvements that can be made in the operation of the auditor’s office. I have already caused the budget commission meetings to be open to the public for the first time in 2020. I have already discovered unlawful assessments to property taxes and caused their reversal. Members of the public are not being informed of assessments being placed on their property taxes.
How many hours per week will you commit to your potential new role? The office requires a full day’s work. I intend to put in 40 hours/week.
What would you do during your first 90 days as county auditor? I would survey the abilities of the current employees for the purpose of selecting 2 or 3 to be deputies. The purpose of this would be twofold: 1) to guarantee the efficient operation of the office during the time I must be elsewhere and 2) to provide qualified candidates for election to succeed me.
I would also demand that the Board of Commissioners provide me with a place outside the building where notices of meetings may be posted where the public may see them 24/7.
Do you believe the Auditor’s Office is transparent and accessible to Portage County citizens? If not, how would you fix this? The operation of the Auditor’s Office is currently as obscure as can be. While the budget commission meetings are technically open, there is no effort to inform the public of what is actually occurring. There is no effort to inform the public as to the intricacies of the property taxes. To fix this, I would require strict compliance with the Sunshine Laws. I would open the office to the media so that the public can see how everything is done. I would make certain that meetings were conducted in a manner that allows the general public to know what and why things are done.
It does little good to provide knowledgeable deputies as future candidates without providing knowledgeable voters to put them to the test.
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Name: Brad Cromes
Age: 37
Residence: Ravenna
Party: Democratic
How long have you lived in Portage County? I moved to Portage County for college, and came back after completing professional school to start a family. I have lived here for a total of 15 years.
Briefly describe your educational and professional background: I’m a proud alum of Hiram College, where I earned B.A. in political science, and of The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law and John Glenn College of Public Affairs, where I earned a J.D. and a master’s in public policy and management, respectively. I earned recognition as a Certified Government Financial Manager from the Association of Government Accountants in 2016, and am currently serving as the Treasurer of the County Treasurers Association of Ohio and Vice President of the Northeast Ohio Treasurers Association. I am also a member of the Portage County, Ohio, and American Bar Associations. I have served as Portage County Treasurer since 2015, and before that I was the Deputy Director of the Portage County Board of Elections.
Are you involved in any community organizations? Which ones? I’m currently serving on the boards of United Way of Portage County and the Ravenna Kiwanis Club, and have served both organizations in leadership roles in the past (chairing the United Way board from 2018-2019 and serving as President of the Kiwanis Club from 2017-2018). I also serve as Treasurer of the Community Action Council of Portage County board (an entity focused on poverty alleviation) and as a member of the Celebrate Portage Steering Committee (recognizing the people and events that make our community special). Right now, though, I’m probably proudest of my service as a Den Leader and Treasurer in my son’s Cub Scout Pack and Community Friends of Scouting Chair for our Scouting District. I’m an Eagle Scout, and the values of Scouting and memories of my time in the program as a youth are ones that I hold dear. Being able to make new memories with my son and pass those values forward to other kids in our area is a privilege and an honor.
Why do you want this job? I’m running for Auditor because I believe Portage County deserves a fiscal officer who will fight for the economic dignity and financial well-being of all in our community. I think I’ve got a track record of doing that as County Treasurer – and I’m excited by the opportunity to preserve the strengths of the office while at the same time engaging in that work in new and innovative ways.
How many hours per week will you commit to your potential new role? I take the trust residents have placed in me as an elected official very seriously, and treat my position as County Treasurer as a full-time job. I intended to do the same as County Auditor.
What would you do during your first 90 days as county auditor? I’ve learned that real and lasting change takes time. With that said, there are things I intend to do right away to institutionalize the office’s core strengths and identify areas for improvement. That will include a review of office work flows and processes to make them clear and keep them accountable, and an examination of the office’s appraisal program to ensure that it is as fair as possible to our taxpayers. I also intend to begin a review of the County’s contracts for potential cost savings and service improvements, and to start applying citizen-centric reporting principles to improve and compliment the office’s already strong public reporting. While it’s tempting for finance folks to view the world at the end of a spreadsheet, I also know that our work in local government is about the people we serve and building our community. With that in mind, I’ll make it a priority to reach out to partners in the nonprofit and business communities to improve public knowledge about the services the Auditor’s Office provides and to identify areas for potential collaboration to protect consumers and improve the financial well-being of our residents.
Do you believe the Auditor’s Office is transparent and accessible to Portage County citizens? If not, how would you fix this? Our current Auditor makes it a point at public appearances to end her remarks with some version of “if you need me you know where to find me, and my door is always open.” That is a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with, and a spirit I intend to carry into my service in this new role. I have ideas for building on it by implementing an outreach program to deliver services directly to the community and improve public awareness of what the office does. I also want to revamp the office’s web-based services to ensure that as much information about the County’s finances and Auditor’s programs is available online as possible. That effort will include expanding recent efforts to livestream more public meetings and open the doors of local government to the people. Transparency is a critical element of good government, and I want to do all I can to ensure that we are delivering it for the people we serve.
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Name: Kristy Elliott (Richards)
Age: 38
Residence: Deerfield Township & Charlestown Township
Party: Republican
How long have you lived in Portage County? 34 Years; I was born and raised in Charlestown Township, Portage County. I then moved out of Portage County to attend college. Upon graduation, I purchased my 1st home in Deerfield Township, Portage County & have resided there since. I also own property in Charlestown Township in Portage County.
Briefly describe your educational and professional background: I worked full time as a bookkeeper for a local Portage County business, Perfect Choice Auto Collision & as a shift manager for a local pizza shop throughout college. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the University of Akron, with my license to sell Real Estate. I worked for two public accounting firms, totalling ten (10) years experience, where I prepared compiled, reviewed & audited financial statements as well as individual and corporate tax returns. I have 20 years total experience working with people through working with clients in public accounting, serving the constituents of Deerfield Township as Fiscal Officer and in other various businesses working in management. I am the Chief Financial Officer for two local Portage County businesses and currently in my 2nd term as elected official Deerfield Township Fiscal Officer.
Are you involved in any community organizations? Which ones? I volunteer, as needed, for various organizations in Deerfield Township. Deerfield Township holds an annual applebutter festival that I fully participate in that supports the community I reside. I attend local events held by Southeast Local School organizations, Lions Club, etc to support local & donate.
Why do you want this job? I enjoy the combination of all the positions I have held and feel this position brings together all of my educational and professional experiences in accounting, real estate & serving others. I feel I could use this experience I have obtained to provide value to the constituents of Portage County. Currently, I am the Fiscal Officer on a Township level. As Auditor, I would be the Chief Fiscal Officer on a County level. I have always had a passion to go after this position and I believe this is my opportunity to do so.
How many hours per week will you commit to your potential new role? I will commit to this position on a full-time basis and be present in the office and around the communities of Portage County. I believe in putting in my best effort, going above and beyond in everything I do and commit to.
What would you do during your first 90 days as county auditor? In the first 90 days, I would ensure the Auditor Office has full accountability for all the duties we are responsible for and ensure we are completing these activities in the most efficient manner. If I were to be elected in November, I fully intend to shadow in the office under Janet Esposito, permitting she allows me to, so that I can learn and continue to provide the same level of services to the constituents and build from there when my term begins in March.
Do you believe the Auditor’s Office is transparent and accessible to Portage County citizens? If not, how would you fix this? Yes, in my experiences with the Portage County Auditor’s Office, the team does an excellent job and exceeds expectations. I have found them to be fully transparent and accessible as a local fiscal officer and as a citizen of Portage County.
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Name: Matt Kelly
Age: 51
Residence: Suffield, Portage County
Party: Republican
How long have you lived in Portage County? 1.5 years
Briefly describe your educational and professional background: BA in Business Admin from Walsh, Air Force veteran, Councilman in Mogadore for 14 years, Goodwill Board of Directors, Goodyear Environmental, Health and Safety Manager
Are you involved in any community organizations? Which ones? Mogadore VFW, American Legion, Rotary Club
Why do you want this job? The Auditor’s position is a great opportunity to build public trust. My career and life experiences have prepared me for this opportunity.
How many hours per week will you commit to your potential new role? As many as it takes to be successful
What would you do during your first 90 days as county auditor? Assess the current processes and benchmark best practices in other fiscal offices around the state.
Do you believe the Auditor’s Office is transparent and accessible to Portage County citizens? If not, how would you fix this? Yes, however, I will work to improve this.
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Debbie Mann has withdrawn from the auditor’s race.
