Ward 3 Councilman Fred Gauthier answers a question at Thursday’s Fairview Park candidates forum as his opponent, attorney Jim Sassano, listens. (West Life photo by Kevin Kelley)

Ward 3 race gives candidates forum modicum of interest
By Kevin Kelley
Fairview Park
Published Sept. 30, 2009

For better or worse, most candidates for Congressional or presidential races view political debates as opportunities to deliver a “knockout blow” to one’s opponent.

But that was not the case at the League of Women Voters’ Fairview Park candidates forum Sept. 24 at the suburb’s City Council chambers. Most candidates used the opportunity to supply voters with routine biographical information. For instance, voters learned that one candidate has a daughter on a college dean’s list and another lives with four cats.

The lone exception to such boredom was the Ward 3 race, where attorney Jim Sassano is challenging incumbent Fred Gauthier. While acknowledging that good things have been happening in the city, Sassano said a new voice is needed on council.

“I believe there is a greater potential, one that can be only realized with council members who are willing to ask questions, spot issue and assert council’s independence,” Sassano said in his opening remarks. “The focus of my campaign is what can be accomplished with a stronger council that spot issue that need work and fixing, and I want to be that voice.”

Gauthier, who has been a member of council for 12 years, said he has the experience to promote collaboration among parties to promote the best outcome for the city and his ward.

“Now is a good time to be part of this vibrant, forward moving community,” Gauthier said. The economic recession has forced the city to tighten its belt, he said. But the city is doing well financially, he added, and careful planning and work has left the city with a modest surplus. Gauthier also touted his role as one of the originators of the concept that became the Gemini Project.

Sassano gave two examples of where he said council has failed to lead. First, he said, more apartment units should be inspected annually to ensure the quality of the city’s housing stock. As a member of council, Sassano said he will demand that every apartment unit be inspected regularly.

Over the past year, council has vigorously debated how frequently units should be inspected and what fees should be imposed to fund such inspections. An ordinance dealing with apartment inspections remains in committee. An initial proposal to sharply increase inspections and fees was vigorously lobbied against by large hi-rise apartment owners. They said their units had few if any building violations and that raising fees would force them to unfairly raise their tenants’ rents.

Gauthier said Monday that it would be impossible to inspect the city’s 1,700 apartment units annually with only two building inspectors. He said he expects council to ultimately pass a modest fee increase on apartments. A large increase on reputable hi-rise apartments would be an unfair tax, he said.

Sassano also said the administration of Mayor Eileen Patton knew of problems with the original Gemini Center pool contractor as early as August 2007 but did not properly inform council.

On Monday, Fairview Park Development Director Jim Kennedy, whose e-mails on the matter were specifically cited by Sassano, said he in fact knew that problems existed with the contractor in April 2007. Kennedy said that city officials initially tried to work behind the scenes with the contractor and get the company back on schedule.

Kennedy and Gauthier both said the city sought to avoid the headache of having to fire the contractor and have the bonding company hire a replacement firm, which is ultimately what happened. The Gemini Center pool opened in July 2008, seven months behind schedule.

Although he could not recall exactly when he first learned about the contractor problems, Gauthier told West Life that he rejects Sassano’s suggestion that the administration did not properly inform council about the pool issue.

“Council was never in the dark about that,” Gauthier said.

Sassano and Gauthier also differed on the city’s approach to economic development. When asked if he was satisfied with the city’s progress, Sasson replied, “Yes and no.” He said the city has not used its seven-year tax abatement incentive on new construction to its full potential.

Gauthier, however, offered an “unqualified yes” to the same question. He cited the five dilapidated motels along Lorain Road that have been torn down in recent years, several of which have been replaced by new office buildings. He also noted the new Fairview Corporate Center office complex built off Brookpark Road.

“These are quality and huge investments in our city,” Gauthier said.

WARD 1
Bob Burkhart, the chief financial officer at Northfield Park, is challenging incumbent Patrick Manning. He said that his business experience, including work with contract negotiations, can be helpful to City Council.

“I’ve been involved in many things in the community,” he said. “I find an opportunity now to further that and get involved with my community more as a councilperson if elected.”

Manning, like all the candidates, was cordial toward his opponent.

“You voters should have options, and without my opponent you would not have a chance to compare my 20-year record of community service,” Manning said.

The city has a lot to be proud of, Manning said, including an increasing business base. Council members and administration officials have worked closely on the city’s accomplishments in recent years, he said.

“We have a team of people that are really concerned about moving the city ahead,” Manning said.

WARD 2
Bill Minek, a retired police officer, is beginning his 23rd year on council and is running unopposed.

Minek mentioned the fact that he led a legal effort to get the Westgate property returned to the Fairview Park School district but was overruled by the Ohio Supreme Court.

“My goals continue to include progress with redevelopment that will expand our tax base in order to lessen the burden on you, the taxpayer,” Minek said in his statement. He also cited continuation of the street repair program, full staffing of the city’s safety forces, and enforcement of property maintenance laws to maintain home values. He also advocated continued financial responsibility with regard to the city budget.

(Editor’s note: Read West Life’s coverage of candidates from Wards 4 and 5 as well as the at-large and council president races in the Oct. 7 issue.)

On the Web:

• League of Women Voters - Cuyahoga area