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Berea NewsGiving a Voice to OurCommunityVOL. IVIf you can be anything, be kindBEREA OCTOBER, 2021BereaNews.org2021 Voter ’s GuideIn BriefPolling Locations:BEREA RECREATION CENTER(451 Front Street)Wards: 1A 4B 5A&CBEREA BRANCHLIBRARY(7 Berea Commons)Wards: 1B, 4AST MARYSCATHOLIC CHURCH(250 Kraft Street)Wards: 2, 3ACity of BereaBerea City School District 3- Berea Tax Levy (Renewal)For President of CouncilVote for OneJim MaxwellFor Member of Board ofEducationVote for no more than threeAna ChapmanFor Member of Council atLargeHeather ZirkeVote for no more than twoRichard MackIf you don’t know whatdistrict you are in- look itup on:boe.cuyahogacounty.govClick on ‘where do I vote?’Next Edition:Our next edition will be theannual tax and business highlight edition.Quote“Talk is cheap, votingis free; take it to thepolls”-Nanette L. Avery3A renewal of a tax for the benefit ofthe City of Berea for the purposeof current expenses at a rate notexceeding 4.1 mills for each onedollar of valuation, which amountsto 41 cents for each one hundreddollars of valuation, for five years,commencing in 2021, first due incalendar year 2022.Mary K. BrownSteve DockmanDaune JaynesDouglas A. SchwindGene ZacharyaszRachel J. McDonnellFor the Tax LevyBernadette ButlerWrite-in:Against the Tax LevyFor Member of Council(Ward ?)Vote for One{Your Ward Candidate}4 - Berea Charter Amendment - GenderA majority affirmative vote is required for passage.4Shall the Preamble of the Charter of the City of Berea be amended toprovide that whenever in the Charter the male gender pronoun is used, itis understood that it reflects and includes all gender pronouns?{Your Ward Candidate}HERITAGE CONGREGATIONALCHURCH(485 West Street)Wards: 3B&C, 5BA majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage.YesBerea News On-LineBerea, OhioVisit us at BereaNews.org and keep up todate on what’s happening in Berea!If you would like to contribute to this projectcontact me at- dent.mark@gmail.com.WE WILL HAVE LIVE UPDATES ONELECTION DAYVOTING OPTIONSNoBerea Tax Levy and GenderCharter AmendmentBerea, OhioThe tax levy raises around 365,000 per year ata cost of about 25 for 100,000 house. The levy isused to fund city operations.The Gender Charter Amendment simply clarifies that terms are meant to be gender neutral.Berea, OhioVOTE BY MAIL! Vote from the comfort of your home. Request a ballot by mail todaygo to boe.cuyahogacounty.gov Click on ‘Vote-by-Mail’VOTE EARLY- Beginning October 5- Vote at Cuyahoga County Board of Elections located at 2925 Euclid Ave., Cleveland OH 44115. Call (216) 443-VOTE (8683) for timesVOTE AT THE POLLS-Vote on November 2 at one of the polling locations. If you don’tknow your polling location you can look it up at boe.cuyahogacounty.gov Click on ‘Wheredo I Vote’1
City Council at LargeAll Berea Wards will be able to select two of the four candidates.Candidates Below DID NOTSubmit Candidate Introduction ORSign Berea’s Good Government PledgeDaune JaynesMary BrownSubmitted Candidate IntroductionSigned Berea’s Good Government PledgeSubmitted Candidate IntroductionSigned Berea’s Good Government PledgeIntro-Intro-Hello Berea!My husband Kevin and I moved toBerea in 1990 with our two sons. Weboth serve the Berea Community in various capacities. Berea is our home andwe are proud to be here.I look forward to exploring newways to build and strengthen our city.Those who know me, know that I ampassionate about serving my communityand helping others. But turning wordsinto working solutions takes provenexperience. This experience is what Ibring to the table and why I am runningfor Berea City Council.Government starts at the bottomand builds its way upward. This iswhy I will work together with residentsand the city administration to improvecommunications and services. I havelistened and will continue to listen tomy constituents and gain their insighton how our tax dollars are spent. I haveheard you, and yes, it is time we fix ourinfrastructure, our sewers, our municipal buildings, our sidewalks, and ourstreets.Together we can do this.My name is Mary Brown and I amrunning for Berea City Council. I amrunning for a council at large seat: thismeans anyone can vote for me. I am aBranch Manager at U.S. Bank. I am awife, mother, grandmother, businesswoman, and long-time Berea resident.Customers at US Bank will tell youI have an infectious smile and havealways been focused on helping people.I have volunteered many hours atBerea Cares, delivering lunches to frontline-workers and the residents of theassisted living community. I love doingthis and seeing the smiles I bring totheir faces.As a business leader, I know howto get things done. Having previouslyserved on Berea City Council, I knowthe issues that confront our city. I alsoknow what solutions work and whichones do not. I have the connections, thebackground, and the ambition to moveBerea forward.If you would like to help me with mycampaign you can contact me at marykbrownberea@gmail.comFeel free to email me at friendsdjaynes@gmail.com. I would appreciate yourthoughts and concerns.I am looking forward to expanding myoutreach by working for you on Berea’sCity Council.Gene ZacharyaszIntroMEET GENEAs citizens of Berea, you deservetireless commitment that guides and implements technology changes, economicdevelopment, communication and service improvements that will benefit allBereans. Gene Zacharyasz is a tirelessworker for berea and is committed toserve the people as Council-at-Large inthe city of Berea.Bernadette ButlerIntro-Bernadette is an author of the book‘Living with Autism God, me andMelvin. This book is about Bernadette’sjourney raising an autistic son.Bernadette was also a Berea Schoolcrossing guard for 5 years.Candidate Participation-City Council Candidates were contacted multiple times and more than amonth in advance of this publication. School Board Candidates were onlycontacted once and given less time to respond. If a candidate did not respond,we used social media to provide information on the candidate.2
City Council Ward 4Ward 4 has two candidates running for CouncilErika CobleSubmitted Candidate IntroductionSigned Berea’s Good Government PledgeIntro-Hello!My name is Erika. I am married andhave 2 children who grew up in Berea.During the past three years, I followed Berea City Council and workedto bring our community together. Byengaging my neighbors we worked toprevent Omni Corporation from building a massive five-story building on theshores of Coe Lake. Working with othercommunity organizers, we continue toadvance the needs of Bereans, addressing basement flooding, neighborhooddevelopment, and other communityissues.I also Co-founded Sustainable Berea.Sustainable Berea manages a yearlyclean-up of Coe Lake and works toconnect people with the resources inour community. Our goal is to promoteeconomic development in a sustainableway for our enjoyment and the enjoyment of future generations.Some of my goals as a councilwomanare:-Spearhead registration with the National Register of Historic Places-Champion innovative infrastructurethat manages our natural resources-Connect constituents to city resources-Promote arts and cultureI will work hard as your councilwoman and make sure we all have a voice incity government.I would appreciate your vote thisNovember!Kim SmithSubmitted Candidate IntroductionCandidate DID NOT Sign Berea’sGood Government PledgeIntro-Dear Ward 4 Neighbors:It has been an honor to serve as yourCouncilwoman and I humbly ask for yoursupport in the upcoming election.I look forward to continuing with opencommunication throughout our neighborhood as we work together to buildcommunity through unity.I will continue working on ways wecan maintain the character of our historical neighborhood, strengthen our partnership with BW, make upgrades to ourroads and infrastructure, and support ourdowntown business base.As your Councilwoman, I am committed to working with you to make sure youhave a voice at City Hall.Being elected in the early days ofCOVID was a challenge but it did notstop us from working together tobuild a stronger Berea.Because the only support I care aboutis yours, I will be running a self-fundedcampaign and I will not be seeking con-tributions or endorsements from anypolitical party or interest group. It ismy intention to represent you withoutany outside pressure and always dowhat is in the best interest of ourneighborhood.Other WardsCandidates for wards 1, 2, 3 and 5 arerunning unopposed. Despite multiplerequests- none of the candidates submitted materials for this voter’s guide.Information on candidate taken fromFacebook and other sourcesCandidates Below DID NOTSubmit Candidate Introduction ORSign Berea’s Good Government PledgeWard 1Leon R. DozierFormer Railroad System at RepublicSteel Corp / Studied Electrical engineering at Howard University.Ward 2Chris McManisHi, my name is Chris McManis and Iwant your vote for Berea City CouncilWard 2.Ward 3Lisa WeaverNo information found on candidateWard 5Rick SkoczenWorking together we can re-kindlethe pride and community spiritmaking Berea the best place to live,work, and invest! It’s time for “Progress NOT Promises!”Keep up to date on theelection- visit us:BereaNews.org3
Berea School BoardAll Berea Wards will be able to select three of the seven candidates.Ana ChapmanSubmitted Candidate IntroductionSigned School Board PledgeIntro-I’m running for re-election to theschool board because I’ve dedicatedmy adult life to service. I care aboutchildren, their well-rounded education, and their futures.As a volunteer in the BCSD schoolssince 2004, the community, the OhioPTA, and a public school educator for28 years, I’ve learned the importanceof advocating for children and givingselflessly.As a first-generation American anda daughter of immigrants, my parentsalways stressed the importance of sacrifice, hard work, and commitment.As a first-generation college graduate,I understand the needs of our studentsand families.As a mom of 2 recent graduatesand a current sophomore, I know thehistory of the district and the areasfor improvement. As a current schoolboard member, I have been recognized as a Master Board Member anda recipient of the Award of Achievement by the Ohio Schools BoardsAssociation.I understand the role of the schoolboard, the hard work involved, andam ready to continue working collaboratively and respectfully for thechildren of the district.Heather ZirkeSubmitted Candidate IntroductionSigned School Board PledgeIntro-I am running for the school boardbecause I am a passionate advocate forstudents and families.I have lived in Berea for 16 yearsand I am the parent of two currentstudents. I am a member of theJustice, Equity, Diversity & InclusionTask Force Steering Committee andremain fully committed to making ourschools more welcoming and inclusive.I have served as the President ofGrindstone PTA and Berea-MidparkMiddle School PTA and had theopportunity to develop relationshipswith parents and community leadersto strengthen our schools.As a school board member, I wouldcontinue to support educators and administrators in promoting high-quality teaching and learning. In additionto being a committed volunteer, I havebeen a lawyer for 19 years. My professional experience will help me be aneffective board member and advisor tothe superintendent and other districtleaders.Richard MackSubmitted Candidate IntroductionSigned School Board PledgeIntro-As a retired teacher and coach in theBCSD, as well as a long-time residentin our communities (37 years), Ihave been committed to the students,families, and residents of our threecommunities since first being hired bythe District in 1982.Over the years I’ve had the goodfortune to teach, coach, and mentorstudents from all three communities.The main constants I’ve identifiedduring this time are that our studentsare our greatest resource and theyalways rise to meet new challenges.These last few years have beenchallenging for the District, withmany transitions and obstacles (likethe pandemic). During this time mybelief in our students and families hasnot wavered.I would like to bring my experience, passion, and accessibility to theBoard of Education, so I can serve ourcommunities as I taught and coached:with integrity, insight, and understanding.Keep up to date on the election- visit us:BereaNews.org4
Berea School Board Cont.All Berea Wards will be able to select three of the seven candidates.Candidates belowDID NOTSubmit Candidate Introduction ORSign School Board PledgeSteve DockmanLarry GabbardSubmitted Candidate IntroductionSigned School Board PledgeSubmitted Candidate IntroductionSigned School Board PledgeIntro-(Write-In Candidate)If I am blessed enough to be re-elected to the Berea School Board, I willcontinue to support academic excellence as the #1 measurement of oursuccess and oppose divisive agendasthat take our focus off that singulargoal!I will support a fair, balanced andaccurate presentation of AmericanHistory (my major at B-W) and oppose teaching CRT, the 1619 Projectand/or political bias in the curriculumthat turns students against each otherand/or America.I will support a parent’s right toknow and consent to any counselingor treatment their child receives andoppose Comprehensive Sexual Education, Family Planning & Planned Parenthood materials offered to studentswithout their consent.I will support sound fiscal stewardship of tax revenue and accuratereporting of educational performanceand oppose any adoption of any stateor federal programs that co-opt any ofthese commitments.Intro-Having a blended family of seven children ages 25 to 2 ½, my wifeSarah and I have a vested interest inthe success of our schools. I see manygreat things in our schools, however,in my opinion, things are trending inthe wrong direction and I do not seeenough people willing to stand up and‘right the ship’.There are two major influences thatmotivated me to run.Observing the demonization of dissenting opinions. This is happeningall around us today even in our districtand specifically on our school board.Parenting is difficult enough asthere are many contributing factors,but now I find that we are strugglingnot only to combat the overwhelmingbias in traditional and social mediabut we are now battling an alignedideology in the schools as well.Rachel J. McDonnellIntro-Our Children, Our Community,Our Voice!A dedicated educator/ advocate for alllearners for over 20 years asking thatyou please give me the opportunity toserve our community and the childrenwithin it.Douglas SchwindIntro-52-year resident of Brook Park. He isseeking election to the Berea Board ofEducation, which oversees the Berea,Brook Park and Middleburg Heightsschools.Keep up to date on the election- visit us:BereaNews.orgWe will post live updates on election day5
Berea’s Good GovernmentPledgeI, a candidate for Berea City Government, will serve theBerea Community and commit to the following Values:LOYALTYBear true faith and allegiance to the founding principles of ourcountry that all are created equal.Support the City of Berea and stand up for all Bereans.DUTYBerea’s School BoardPledgeI, a candidate for Berea City School Board, servingBerea, Brook Park and Middleburg Heights commit tothe following Values:LOYALTYBear true faith and allegiance to the founding principles of ourcountry that all are created equal.DUTYFulfill my obligations to Berea by actively participating in thelegislative process and staying informed on all pending andproposed legislation.Fulfill my obligations to School Board by actively participatingin the oversight process and staying informed on all pendingand proposed issues.Endeavor to listen to and keep my constituents engaged andinformed of actions taken by the City of Berea.Endeavor to build public support and understanding of publiceducation.RESPECTPromote the City of Berea and look after all its citizens withoutregard to race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation.Listen and treat with respect those who do not agree with mypoints of view.ACCOUNTABILITYRESPECTPromote the district and look after all its students without regard to race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation.Listen and treat with respect those who do not agree with mypoints of view.ACCOUNTABILITYTake ownership of mistakes made.Take ownership of mistakes made.Be open and honest in all official duties.Be open and honest in all official duties.INTEGRITYDeal fairly and honestly with the community when acting inmy official capacity or when campaigning for any office inBerea.Refrain from spreading falsehoods about my opponent or mischaracterizing their positions.Never use my official office or city resources for personal orpolitical gain.SIGNED BY:INTEGRITYDeal fairly and honestly with the community when acting inmy official capacity or when campaigning for any office inBerea.Refrain from spreading falsehoods about my opponent or mischaracterizing their eatherZirkeErikaCobleALL CANDIDATES WERE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO SIGN THESE PLEDGES. THE LISTED CANDIDATES CHOSE TO DO SO.RichardMackSteveDockmanLarryGabbard6
Berea Tax Levy and Gender Charter Amendment Berea, Ohio The tax levy raises around 365,000 per year at a cost of about 25 for 100,000 house. The levy is used to fund city operations. The Gender Charter Amendment simply clari-fies that terms are meant to be gender neutral. 1 2021 Voter's Guide City of Berea Berea City School District
