A8

THE PRESS 2PRESSPAPERS.COM OCTOBER 30, 2013

LETTERS, from page A6

had to maneuver around at least 20 pills of deer poop! If you have not experienced that difficulty, then you do not have a real knowledge of the extent of the deer problem. There was a comment made to plant deer resistant plants. If you make that statement you probably do not have a real understanding of the deer over population. Beginning last year and continuing this year the deer have been eating virtually all plants including the resistant plants. They have eaten our Ageratum, Dusty Miller, Marigolds, Shasta Daisy, Peonies, Forsythia, Cannas and Rose of Sharon. They also eat right through all the deer away products we have applied many times a week. Letting deer starve is real heartlessness! Lorain County did a count of the deer population last year and estimated there are 3 times too many deer in Avon Lake. City Council has voted to cull. The County and City are both aware of the clear and present danger to citizens from the wild deer. I am not an attorney but if either my wife or I are injured on our property by these animals I will be contacting an attorney and seeking damages because these government entities have failed to protect us from this known danger. Ken Kodger Avon Lake

Vote no on Issue 3
To the Editor: The City of Avon Lake Charter is unique in the State of Ohio when it comes to the Water and Sewer Department. The insight of our city fathers in this regard has paid dividends for the citizens of Avon Lake. Avon Lake has some of the lowest water sewer rates in the State of Ohio! Avon Lake Municipal Utilities is run like business and not by politicians. There are only three more employees in the water department since 1970, while the amount of daily water distribution has increased by 450%! This is unlike other cities where the water and sewer departments are dumping grounds for political pals of elected officials. Politicians run most other water and sewer departments. Thats not the case in Avon Lake. Avon Lake politicians and elected officials want to change that. They want to install themselves of the Avon lake Municipal Utilities Board. These politicians want control and power over our municipal utilities. Do not let the politicians take control of the Avon Lake Municipal Utilities Board! Vote NO on issue 3. KC Zuber former mayor of Avon Lake

amendment is designed to improve communications and information sharing between the Mayor, City Council, and the Board. Its important to understand that the change will not impact the independence of the Board of Municipal Utilities, because the Mayor and the City Council member will not be able to vote on any issue. Instead, it will promote a better understanding of the needs and plans of the Mayor, City Council, and the Board as they work together on issues for the City. This is especially important as the Board of Municipal Utilities plans to undertake an additional $85 million capital improvement program in the coming years. The second change, Issue 4, allows City Council and the Board of Municipal Utilities to purchase goods and products through a state bidding process to help the City save money. Both of these issues are important to the City of Avon Lake and are worth your support. Remember, Water is Worth It vote YES on Issues 3 and 4. Marty ODonnell, council president Dan Bucci, council at large John Shondel, council at large Rob James, Ward 1 Jennifer Fenderbosch, Ward 2 Larry Meiners, Ward 3 David Kos, Ward 4

didates, Bryan Jensen stands out as the top candidate. Bryan is truly Invested in Avon. He is a long-time resident and business owner in the city and has served on council for four consecutive terms. He is a strong family man who sent both his children through Avon schools and continues to devote his time to the district through his support of the athletic department and booster programs. While on council, he has worked closely with Mayor Smith to help manage the citys exponential growth. Bryan leads by example by providing strong, steady leadership and is devoted to taking Avon to the next level. As demonstrated in the recent debate at Avon High School, Bryan has a strong grasp of the opportunities and challenges facing the city and will work hard to extend the positive leadership provided by Mayor Smith. Bryan Jensen is the best candidate to lead Avon and I would urge everyone to take a look at his record and compare it to the other three candidates. I think you will find that he has the best vision for our city, while maintaining the values we have built thus far. Please join me on Nov. 5th to elect Bryan Jensen for Avons next mayor. John Lehmann Avon

Re-elect Dale Cracas

To the Editor: As an Avon Lake City Councilman I strongly endorse Dale Cracas for reelection to the Avon Lake School Board. Dales lifetime has been devoted to public service and our community. He developed his leadership skills while serving in the United States Army. Following his service to our country he became a highly respected and well liked teacher in Avon Lake. He taught for nearly thirty years, splitting his time between Avon Lake High School and Learwood Middle School. He had continued his devotion to our schools and community by serving on the school board since 2005. It should be noted that for every year Dale has served on the school board our schools have received an Excellent rating from the state and in the past two years our schools have received the highest possible rating of Excellent with Distinction. Whether it was his nearly 30 years as a beloved teacher, his terms as Ward 2 councilman, his Presidency of Kiwanis (resulting in the creation of new Safety Town) or establishing the Avon Lake Community Garden, Dale Cracas has dedicated himself to Avon Lake. Dale is getting the job done. For his lifetime of efforts and achievements Dale Cracas had earned an A+. Please join me on November 5 and reelect Dale Cracas to the Avon Lake School Board. David Kos Avon Lake City Council

Oktoberfest is a success
To the Editor: Thank you to everyone supporting the 2013 Avon Lake City Schools Foundations Oktoberfest Fundraiser held Oct. 11, 2013. Everyone in attendance enjoyed Novotnys catered bratwurst and pieriogie meal along with a fun-filled raffle provided by the following donors: Avon Lake Coin and Collectibles; Best Cuts; Buffalo Wild Wings; Charles Scott Salons; Ci Cis Pizza; Dairymens/Borden Dairy of Ohio; Five Guys; Giant Eagle; Jenni Juggs; Larry Laird, Avon Lakes Head Football Coach; Millicent Simmelink of Career Links; Pizza Hut; Salad Kraze and Sissons. A special thank-you goes out to Old Republic Title Company and Shoreham Development for graciously donating the printing of tickets and signs. Additional thanks to Mr. Gjergj Haxhiu and members of Key Club who provided much assistance while Rita Beavers and Christopher Siegrist deserve thanks for making the entire evening run smoothly. Finally, those in attendance enjoyed the guest appearance of Mr. David Eddleman and the Shoremen Marching Band along with the Freshmen and JV Cheerleaders. The success of this event not only helps provide necessary funds for the Foundation to support enrichment programs for all students throughout the Avon Lake District, but it also enhances the educational excellence and personal growth of our students creating a competitive edge for their futures. We hope to see you all next year. Linda Broadhurst and the Avon Lake City Schools Foundation

Vote for Issues 3 and 4

To the Editor: The Charter Review Commission, Mayor and City Council support passage of Issue 3 to add the Mayor and a member of Council to the Municipal Utilities Board (ALMU) as non-voting, ex-officio members. As non-voting members, there is no political influence. These individuals would have the right to attend all meetings of ALMU, including Executive Sessions and participate in discussions and deliberations. Like one other community in Ohio, not all water related services are provided by the Utility. Avon Lakes drinking water and sanitary sewers are managed by ALMU while stormwater is managed by the City. When backups and flooding are experienced, residents want solutions; not multiple phone calls between offices. By allowing the Mayor and a member of City Council to participate in discussions and deliberations versus just a statement at the start of the ALMU meeting, there will be more cooperation and information sharing. ALMU, as a part of the City of Avon Lake, has the same Law Director, City Engineer, Finance Director, Human Resources Director and Insurance Policy as the City. Over the next seven years ALMU plans construction totaling $85 million. Since the debt impacts the City, Council and the Administration should participate in the planning process. Presently, residents water and sanitary bills are the 2nd lowest in the State because of rates paid by communities in seven counties. With the increase in future debt, rates will increase. If water and sanitary sewer clients outside the City leave ALMU, the debt remains with Avon Lake. Issue 4 benefits ALMU and the City during the bid process by making the bid process the same for both offices utilizing the State Bid when items and services are on the list and permitting Competitive Bids when items are not. Vote YES for Issues 3 and 4. Jennifer Fenderbosch, Avon Lake councilwoman, Ward 2; Sewer Committee chair

Elect Bryan Jensen

To the Editor: I am an Avon resident with two children in the school system. We initially chose the Avon community because of how good the school system is. After living here for a while, we also realized what a great community we have. The Cleveland Clinic is here, restaurants, shopping, and now we are anticipating a great pool. I had a chance to meet and speak to all of the candidates. I was concerned because Mayor Smith has done such a wonderful job and its concerning regarding who will take over. I have had an opportunity to meet Bryan Jensen, the man who Mayor Smith has endorsed. I must say, he was not only a nice man, but has a great vision for our community, particularly regarding our youth. Since I have children, this is my number one issue. Mayor Smith made the right choice to hand down his torch of success to Bryan Jensen. Kathy Muir Avon

Elect Brian Parsons

To the Editor: As a former two-term Avon City Councilman I pay close attention to our city government and, of course, the campaigns for mayor and city council. This year I believe one candidate has stood far above the rest in his vision for Avon, his understanding of the issues and his clear vision for our citys future. That candidate is Brian Parsons, running for Council At-Large. As we embark on a new era in Avon, Mr. Parsons offers us a fresh perspective on our city government and the way forward. His is a refreshing voice full of new and very thoughtful ideas. Listening to Mr. Parsons, it is clear that he has given much thought to why he wants to add his talents to our city government and what he wants to accomplish. His perspective comes from years of being heavily involved in our community and having already worked with every city in Lorain County as Chairman of the Lorain County Waste Committee. He brings with him significant business and leadership skills that will be of great benefit to Avon going forward. He is a consensus builder, which will help us all move forward together. Mr. Parsons is obviously enthusiastic about our city and excited about having the chance to serve the people of Avon and help lead our future. I believe Brian Parsons is not only very well qualified to be one of our next Councilors At-Large, but is also extremely well prepared to do the job. So as Avon prepares for the new challenges ahead, I urge the voters of Avon to elect Brian Parsons Councilor At-Large. Gerald Gentz Avon

Correcting the record

To the Editor: The Morning Journal published an article stating that I had raised $17,692 through October 16, 2013. My Committee to Elect Dan Zegarac brought forward $967 from the last council race and I personally have lended my campaign $9,300. I just wanted to clarify this in regard to raised campaign funds. Dan Zegarac, Avon City Council President, Candidate for Mayor

Say yes to Issues 3 and 4

To the Editor: Dear residents of Avon Lake: Earlier this year, an independent Charter Review Commission was convened as required every five years. The Commission was comprised of residents of Avon Lake from all walks of life, including women and men who work in business and the non-profit sector, retirees, and state government. The Commission spent months reviewing the Charter, interviewing current and former Mayors, current and former members of City Council, current and former members of the Board of Municipal Utilities, and other residents to understand what changes to the Charter may be needed. After thorough analysis, the Commission recommended two changes. The first change, Issue 3, involves placing the Mayor and one member of City Council as non-voting, ex officio members on the Board of Municipal Utilities. This Charter

MARK A. AUFDENKAMPE
Attorney At Law

Bryan Jensen for mayor

To the Editor: With the pending retirement of Mayor Smith, on Nov. 5th Avon voters will be facing a critical decision on the future of our city. There are four qualified candidates running for the office and its my hope that residents understand the importance of this election and exercise their right to vote. For the first time in 20 years the city will have new leadership, so understanding the qualifications of the individual candidates is important to make a well informed decision. I feel our city needs someone who will continue the strategic growth initiatives we currently have in place, while also being a visionary for new endeavors and programs to accentuate our citys exemplary resources. After carefully reviewing the credentials of all the can-

2x3 Aufdenkampe Mar

33399 Walker Rd., Suite A Avon Lake, Ohio www.loraincountyprobatewillstrusts.com

Wills Trusts Probate Estate Traffic & Criminal Real Estate Business Public Employment

440-653-5275