Russ Balthis
Democratic
Training/experience: Attorney in private practice.
Website: www.russbalthis.com
Campaign phone: (330)573-1566
Education: JD, University of Akron, School of Law; MTax, University of Akron, Business School; BA, The Ohio State University, Economics and Political Science.
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
My experience makes a difference. Before joining City Council, I served as the Cuyahoga Falls Law Director. In that role I learned a lot about how the City operates on a day-to-day basis and how to make changes to improve the quality of life here in the Falls. I participated in the planning and execution of many projects, including opening Front St. in Downtown Cuyahoga Falls.
Since January 2020, I have served on City Council as an at-large Councilmember and was elected to a four year term in November 2021. In January of 2022 I was elected by my fellow member of City Council to service as City Council President. In this role I have worked with residents across the City to help them with any City issues they may have.
In my time on City Council I have vote to (i) increase funding for our public safety forces, including hiring more police officers and firefighters (ii) significant increases for street paving and repairs, and (iii) investments in our parks.
What are the top priorities you seek to address once in office?
Public Infrastructure – We need to increase our investments in our public infrastructure, especially our streets. Northeast Ohio winters are hard on our roads, and in turn our cars. We need to continue increasing the amount of road miles we pave or rebuild each year. We are fortunate to be a public power community, which provides lower electric rates. We need to invest in our electric system to provide additional reliability.
Public Safety – Public safety is always a top concern. We need to continue to emphasize training for our public safety forces and ensure they have the tools and support they need to serve the community.
Quality of life – We need to continue to support and encourage our small businesses, invest in our parks, and support public art.
What strategies will you use to accomplish those priorities?
Public Infrastructure – A specific thing we can do to generate more money to pay for public infrastructure is to use tools such as tax increment financing (TIFs). We can use TIFs in a way to raise money for public infrastructure without raising taxes or fees. I support using the kinds of TIFs which generate money for public infrastructure projects but ensure the schools do not lose any funding.
Public Safety – I will continue to work closely with our Mayor, Police and Fire Chief to ensure we provide the funding necessary to keep our public safety forces some of the best in the region.
Quality of life – I will seek to increase public engagement and dialogue to help prioritize investments in our parks and other public amenities, such as the Cuyahoga River and our neighborhoods.
Brian Ashton
Democratic
Editor’s note: The candidate did not respond to requests for information.