This article is part of the 2025 General Election Voters' Guide produced in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Akron Area.
Jessica Brandt
Nonpartisan
Previous public office: Eight years Macedonia City Council
Campaign email address: jbmacedonia@gmail.com
Campaign phone: 216-626-5377
Education: BS in Journalism from Kent State University
Training/experience: Council president 2022-2024, Parks & Rec Commission rep, Charter Review Committee (2018), Future Growth & Redevelopment Committee (2015)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jbmacedonia
Website: brandtforcouncil.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I am a lifelong resident with a passion for Macedonia and its residents, and making the city the best it can be. I am one of the senior council members and have a deep understanding of the position and how the city government works. I am a good communicator and I really enjoy helping residents better understand how the city government works as well. I feel that I have a good rapport with not only my fellow council members but also with the mayor’s office and the city staff, and that helps us all work towards shared goals of how best to move the city forward.
What are the top priorities you seek to address once in office?
One of my top priorities is always information. I want information from the residents regarding issues at hand, and I want residents to know what is going on with the city. The council works for the residents and it is our job to be the best informed residents, but also to pass on our knowledge to residents. I also strive for the city to always be improving infrastructure, whether it be physical buildings and roads, assets like vehicles, stormwater or information technology. I am dedicated to working with the department heads to make sure we are ensuring the city’s success by making sure our infrastructure is kept up.
What strategies will you use to accomplish those priorities?
I am very happy to have been a part of the creation of the Communications Director position within the city, and plan to continue to support the dissemination of information to residents. When it comes to the maintaining of existing infrastructure and the creation of new infrastructure projects, I will continue to work in conjunction with the mayor’s office and department heads to come to a consensus for what is needed and where we can go. The most important role of council is to guide the city to continue to spend tax dollars wisely in the way that best suits the needs of residents.
Sue Cummings
Nonpartisan
Previous public office: None
Campaign email address: suejcummings50@gmail.com
Campaign phone: 330-603-5216
Education: B.S. from The Ohio State University
Training/experience: Summit County Public Health-Retired Website: sue-cummings.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
As a Public Health professional for many years in Summit County, I understand all aspects of county and local government operations. In the past few years, I have worked with a number of city government officials throughout Summit County on a wide array of programs and projects, so I know the formula of getting needed services and support to the citizens of Summit County. My primary goal if elected is to ensure that Macedonia continues to be a preferred community to raise a family and grow a business.
What are the top priorities you seek to address once in office?
My number one objective is to have Macedonia a top tier community for raising a family, and starting / growing a business so our employment base continues to grow. My top priorities include ensuring that Macedonia retains the high-quality services that our community realizes and enhancing these services by ensuring the availability of funding and key staff. This includes fire and safety, service, and maintenance teams. Infrastructure is another high priority especially roads as the high volume of commercial trucking traffic has put a strain on our roads. We want businesses to locate here and a top tier infrastructure is critical to this objective. Lastly, strong schools are the lifeblood of any community, so I want to ensure that the Nordonia Hills School District has the support of all community leaders in order for the district to meet its objectives
What strategies will you use to accomplish those priorities?
Collaboration with all the stakeholders is imperative to be successful and then my focus will be on implementation. From my years of experience in working in county and local government, typically many well intended ideas, plans, and roadmaps generated by the community fall short because of lack of execution and coordination of resources. My strategy is to ensure that implementation plans are well designed, coordinated and executed. This requires listening to other council members, department heads and the citizens, then relaying the information in a transparent manner. I have the time and energy to ensure that the city’s mission is well articulated and executed
Matt Ferraro
Nonpartisan
Previous public office: Macedonia City Council
Campaign email address: Keepferraro@gmail.com
Campaign phone: 216-359-1075
Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration
Training/experience: Product Line Manager, Vice Chair of Macedonia Board of Zoning Appeals, Associate Board Chair for a local nonprofit
Facebook: www.facebook.com/share/1FGqKefQyY/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Website: KeepFerraro.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I’ve had the honor of serving on council since January, and in that short time, I’ve learned so much—about the needs of our residents, the challenges we face, and the opportunities ahead. Now, I’m ready to take that experience and turn it into meaningful progress with a full term. I believe I am best positioned for this progress based on my experience and vision.
What are the top priorities you seek to address once in office?
I plan on focusing on supporting our first responders, encouraging smart economic growth, and making sure our seniors feel heard and valued. Take a look at my website for more information!
What strategies will you use to accomplish those priorities?
Above all else, I plan on listening. That’s one of the most important things a council member can do—really listen to the community. I have also developed several key relationships while in office so far and plan to expand that further in a full term.
Devin Sethna (write-in)
Nonpartisan
Previous public office: N/A
Campaign email address: devin.sethna@gmail.com
Campaign phone: 330-701-0730
Education: Kent State, Stark State
Training/experience: Firefighter II & EMT-B | Published Author
Instagram: www.instagram.com/devin_sethna/?igsh=MW80MnVjZ3c2N3RsMg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#
Facebook: www.facebook.com/devin.sethna/
Website: https://devinsethna.com/ | https://kaminasethna.com/
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I am here to shake up the council with a new perspective and fresh energy (and zero baggage!) I may be the youngest on the ballot, but I know our sidewalks, our schools, and our parks because I’ve grown up living here every day of my life. I know it sounds a bit corny, but Macedonia is literally a part of my childhood. In a way, it played a part in shaping who I am. And now, I want to return the favor, and set the city up for success.
What are the top priorities you seek to address once in office?
Economy – Boost property values, increase business, reduce the tax burden on Macedonians |
Infrastructure – Ensure safer roads, clean water, and more stable and faster internet |
Public Safety – Help our first responders get the funding, training, and equipment they need, along with physical therapy and counseling. As someone trained as a first responder, I know how important it is for our 911 services to be efficient, and to set a good example for our people
Social – In a world that seemingly gets more and more divided by hatred and lies, I wish to be a voice that brings people together. Because the fundamental truth is this – Things aren’t going to get better for ANYONE, until we make things better for EVERYONE.
What strategies will you use to accomplish those priorities?
Economy – Tax incentives for starting local business can encourage people to set up shop in Macedonia. This can also increase our population (which has been in a decline since 2022), which can help relieve that tax burden on an individual level. This can also lead to a budget surplus, furthering our economic growth
Infrastructure – use the increase in business and budget surplus to fund projects to improve the infrastructure, which would further incentivize economic growth.
Public Safety – Use my connections within the first responder community to get direct recommendations from them, so I can work with them to develop a plan that addresses all the current needs of our police, firefighters, and paramedics.
Vini J. Ventura
Nonpartisan
Previous public office: Member of the Macedonia Civil Service Commission, Two terms on Macedonia Council
Campaign email address: itsvinman@yahoo.com
Campaign phone: 216-212-0439
Education: High School Graduate, Some College, Graduate of the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy
Training/experience: I’m a four year Military Veteran and held a Top Secret-Crypto Clearance. I spent forty-five years as a Law Enforcement Officer. I’ve also been a Certified Training Officer since 1985. Numerous In-Service Law Enforcement Certifications / Certified Police Instructor I
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I am a hands on, face to face representative of the residents of Macedonia. My motivation and integrity is second to none. I spend time driving through neighborhoods weekly stopping and talking to residents that are outside.
I do not work for the city, the city pays me to work for the residents.
What are the top priorities you seek to address once in office?
Anyone that has lived in Macedonia for more than five years is well aware that storm water is our most trying issue.
Because of my background, I’m aware of concerns with having enough resources in our Safety Forces.
What strategies will you use to accomplish those priorities?
I assist residents in contacting the Service Director and the North East Ohio Regional Sewer District. That begins the process of addressing the water issue.
I am proud to say that the Police & Fire Chiefs allow me to contact them directly with any issue or complaint from a resident. I advocate for continuous training and consistent research for modern equipment.
