Description of Race/Referendum:
Vote for no more than three — term commencing Jan. 1, 2026.
The Tallmadge City Council consists of seven members, four of whom are elected from each of the four wards and are known as ward council members. Three are elected from the city at large and are known as at-large council members.
All council members are elected to serve four-year terms. The terms of the ward council members are staggered by two years from the at-large council members. The president of council is elected by its members.
Jessica Epstein
Democrat
Candidate email: epsteinfortallmadgecouncil@gmail.com
Previous public office: Current Tallmadge City Council, at-large.
Instagram: councilwoman_jessica_epstein
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpsteinForTallmadgeCouncil
Training/Experience: My professional career is in IT, where I’ve developed strong problem-solving and analytical skills that I bring to my role on Tallmadge City Council. I have always been passionate about giving back to my community, dedicating my time to organizations like the Girl Scouts and the Tallmadge PTA. I have served on Tallmadge City Council since January 2024 and was recently appointed by my fellow council members to the city’s Veterans Committee.
Education: Bachelor of Science, Kent State University
Campaign phone: 330-474-9512
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I am proactive in reaching out to and engaging with all members of our community. When residents bring me their questions or concerns, I listen attentively and work diligently to provide clear information and effective solutions. Having served in this role for over a year, I have gained an understanding of how things currently operate, while still being new enough to ask questions, challenge the status quo, and bring fresh ideas to the table. My commitment to open communication and thoughtful problem-solving makes me the best candidate to continue serving our community.
What are the top priorities you seek to address once in office?
My top priorities include continuing to engage with all members of our community and ensuring I am accessible to everyone. Tallmadge has a unique heritage, with multiple generations who continue to choose to live, work, and raise their families here. Older generations cherish the destinations and traditions they remember, while younger generations seek to create new memories for their families. I am committed to leveraging the tools in our toolbox for smart, sustainable economic growth that honors our past while embracing the future and meeting the needs of all Tallmadge residents.
What strategies will you use to accomplish those priorities?
To accomplish my priorities, I focus on open communication, transparency, and meaningful community engagement. I am proud to have introduced the first monthly newsletter from a council representative, which is emailed to residents monthly and shared on my social media channels to keep everyone informed about our work as the city’s legislative body. I also host regular town hall meetings and informal “Coffee with Your Councilwomen” events alongside fellow council members, providing residents with opportunities to share their concerns and ideas.
As a member of the city’s Veterans Committee, I organize community initiatives like “Hearts for Heroes,” where we create valentines for local veterans.
Finally, as a leader on the city’s Strategic Planning Committee, I helped develop a comprehensive vision that will guide Tallmadge’s growth and development over the next decade. These strategies ensure I remain accessible, informed, and focused on delivering results for our community.
Lindsay Cammel Halm
Democrat
Candidate Email: lindsaycammel@gmail.com
Training/Experience: Administrative Business Partner, Google (2018-present); Technical Services, U.S. Meat Export Federation (2012-2018); Regulatory Affairs, Omega Laboratories (2008-2012)
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Ohio University, Political Science; Political Administration
Campaign phone: 330-949-9342
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I would like to share my support of Jessica Epstein, current Councilperson At-Large in Tallmadge. She is doing a great job; she listens and shares information with constituents, always answers questions, and stays up to date on city-wide initiatives. I think it’s important to have women represented on our city council, and people that are new to local government, like Jessica!
I am a moderate Democrat that holds personal freedom sacred. I believe we all need to do our best to improve our community and that is why I want to get involved. I want to ensure we create a beautiful, vibrant, historic Tallmadge for current residents and future generations. My experience working in regulatory and government affairs, technical services, international business and IT would be helpful in making important decisions regarding the business and direction of our city. I’m a good neighbor, a lifelong learner, and I am excited to be part of the next generation that gets to take care of Tallmadge.
What are the top priorities you seek to address once in office?
I want to help shape the future of Tallmadge in a way that will leave its natural beauty and history intact for future generations, while also providing opportunities today for residents and guests to enjoy our city’s charm through key, already developed areas. Our historic downtown Tallmadge is already a “must stop” city for those biking or hiking the Freedom Trail! I would love to see an ice cream shop come back to the Circle.
It would be beneficial to residents if Tallmadge better utilized existing, developed land and retail spaces, and focused on uplifting parts of the community that haven’t had recent investments. I believe in responsible, economically sustainable development. I value protecting the rural and wooded spaces that are left within city limits, to ensure that future residents have the resources needed to maintain a balanced community.
What strategies will you use to accomplish those priorities?
To best serve Tallmadge, I will seek knowledge and guidance from the other council members and elected officials, city administrators, residents, and community leaders. I will work on projects that promote development and ensure that conservationist viewpoints are considered in the city’s decision making processes.
David G. Kline
Democrat
Candidate Email: dkline34@sbcglobal.net
Previous public office: 14 years as Tallmadge mayor, 10 years as Tallmadge director of public service, 10 years on Tallmadge City Council and 10 years with the Tallmadge Fire Department.
Training/Experience: 44 years with The City Of Tallmadge
Education: 4 years Local 219, Paramedic school at AGMC
Campaign phone: 330-352-3690
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
As a lifelong resident and with my many years of experience working for the city, I have a strong working knowledge of all the operations of the city. I did take a year off and now feel it’s time to give back to my community once again.
What are the top priorities you seek to address once in office?
1. Fiscal responsibility
2. Economic development in both the City of Tallmadge and in the
Brimfield JEDD
3. Enhancing all our city services
4. Working with the Joint Dispatch Center
What strategies will you use to accomplish those priorities?
1. As Mayor I was responsible for submitting the budget to
council for the city, so with that knowledge of working with all
departments I will be able to help my colleagues and the
administration with a fiscally responsible budget. We must
continue setting long term financial goals for the capital budget.
2. Working with our partners to help strengthen our economic
goals within the over-lay areas. Also, working with Brimfield on
future development of the JEDD.
3. My passion is for all our city employees. We must provide
the best training possible for the Police, Fire, Street and Utilities
Departments.
4. As Mayor I was on the team to develop the Summit County
Dispatch Center in the City of Tallmadge. I will continue to work
with our partners to enhance the center.
Tracy Pletcher
Democrat
Candidate Email: lgl72girl@att.net
Editor’s note: This candidate did not provide any additional information.
