Ten candidates are running for four seats on Richfield village council

This article is part of the 2025 General Election Voters' Guide produced in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Akron Area.

Jim Smith

Nonpartisan

Previous public office: Village of Richfield Zoning Board of Appeals (Chairman), Village of Richfield Charter Review Commission (Chairman), Richfield JEDD Board (Chairman)

Training/experience: Founder, President Exit 11 Truck Tire Service Inc.

Why are you the best candidate for the office?

From my prior experience as Chairman of the Richfield Village Charter Review Commission, Richfield Village Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Richfield JEDD Board. I have a good perspective of how our government should work, how it does work, and how it can work.

What are the top priorities you seek to address once in office?

Now that my children have become Richfield homeowners and have started their own families, I am compelled to run for office to help ensure the future quality of life that Richfield has consistently provided for its citizens.

What strategies will you use to accomplish those priorities?

If elected I will bring my level of service, dedicated to the stakeholders in our Village: The residents, business community and their employees, property owners, as well as the employees of the Village. We all deserve representation that governs with financial responsibility, accountability, and transparency. With common sense decisions that have a positive impact on our community.

Carol Campbell

Nonpartisan

Campaign email address: CarolCampbellRichfield@gmail.com

Education: With 25 years at AT&T, I built a proven record of leadership and results, earning the company’s top honors ten times in seven different positions. I’ve led large-scale operations, overseeing a $3.5M monthly budget and teams supporting 2,500 employees across 23 states. I thrive on bringing people together across internal and external teams to drive success, drawing on both hands-on experience and a Business foundation from K.V.C.C. Owner Great Grins Photo Booth.

Campaign Phone: 330-858-1720

Previous public office: While this is my first time running for office, I have been actively attending Richfield Village Council meetings for the past two years. My goal is to strengthen community engagement and transparency in local government, ensuring residents feel heard, informed, and involved in the decisions that shape our village. I am committed to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and responsive local government that truly reflects and serves the people of Richfield.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009364768671

Training/experience: I’m proud to serve our community as a member of the Richfield Cemetery Board and the Tree & Landscape Committee, and I also coordinate trips for the Richfield Village Senior Center.

Why are you the best candidate for the office?

The best candidates for public office are those who make decisions with the best interests of the entire Village in mind, rather than focusing on the benefit of a single individual or group. Village Council should never act through the lens of “I,” but must always stand for the people — listening carefully, seeking to understand what really matters to them, and ensuring that residents’ voices, aspirations, and concerns are fully represented in every decision made. Vote for Carol Campbell Richfield Village Council: Standing for unity, transparency, and the well-being of all Richfield Village residents.

What are the top priorities you seek to address once in office?

Fiscal Responsibility: Careful, strategic investment that supports steady growth and secures our community’s future.

Thorough Decision-Making: Competent, comprehensive, and thoughtful research, investigation, and deliberation on issues impacting our Village and residents.

Transparency & Integrity: Open, honest communication and accountability in addressing complex issues that affect the community.

What strategies will you use to accomplish those priorities?

Fiscal Responsibility: I will support responsible budgeting practices, prioritize needs over wants, and ensure that investments are evaluated for long-term sustainability and benefit to the Village as a whole.

Thorough Decision-Making: I will take the time to research issues fully, seek input from experts and residents, and carefully weigh both the short- and long-term impacts before making decisions.

Transparency & Integrity: I will communicate openly with residents through multiple channels, explain the reasoning behind decisions, and uphold the highest standards of honesty and accountability in every action I take.

Jeff Stoppenhagen

Nonpartisan

Campaign email address: jeffreystopps@gmail.com

Education: Ohio University, Class of 1986. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in Graphic Design and Advertising.

Campaign phone: 330-608-2021

Previous public office: I was unanimously appointed to fill an open 2-year term on Village Council in 2019, and I was elected to a 4-year term in 2021. I currently chair the Cemetery Board and serve on the Safety Committee, the IT Committee, the Fire Dependency Board and act as the Village Liaison to Richfield Township.

Why are you the best candidate for the office?

Over the past six years I have listened carefully to the residents’ concerns, frustrations, and ideas for making our Village an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. Throughout my tenure, my priority has always been putting the needs of our community above special interests and outside influences. Open, honest dialogue is essential, but I have seen times when the Council has rushed legislation without thorough discussion, sometimes overlooking how certain decisions may impact the broader community.

I am committed to ensuring that every voice is heard, and that our decisions reflect the true needs of all residents. I have always voted in support of what aligns with the wishes of our residents because your voice is what truly matters.

Richfield deserves a leader who listens, understands, and advocates for its residents. I am that l am that leader.

What are the top priorities you seek to address once in office?

Residents have commented that they feel there is a lack of transparency when Council passes legislation. They have expressed their sentiment that too much is done in Executive Session, and they cannot provide input. I would like to see a more open discussion on matters that can be shared with the residents so their opinions can be heard.

Residents have expressed an interest in becoming more involved in the community as a member of a board or a commission, but there never seems to be open positions. I would like to see a limit placed on the number of board or commission positions one resident can hold at any time, and possibly a term limit.

There seems to be an increase of involvement from special interest groups and outside influences. Council has been asked to debate and vote on expenditures that do not directly benefit the Village. I feel that any expenditure of Village monies should stay in the Village, we need to make sure our residents are taken care of first.

What strategies will you use to accomplish those priorities?

The most effective way to accomplish my priorities, or many of the issues that we see, is through open and honest communications. We need to work together as one Village. We need to listen to all viable ideas and opinions and evaluate them before making a decision that could have a long-term negative effect on the Village. The residents should be involved, and their needs included. Different people have different ideas, and while we may not always agree, we need to work together. Only by working together can we plan the best course for Richfield.

Dave Woytek

Nonpartisan

Campaign email address: 3985 Ramblewood Drive

Education: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Ohio Northern University in May 1992

Campaign phone: 216-777-1488

Previous public office: No prior elected office. Over 30 years of leadership and decision-making experience in engineering, with a strong record of managing projects and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Skilled at coordinating diverse stakeholders to achieve results, and committed to bringing a practical, solution-oriented approach to Village Council.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/woytekforcouncil/

Training/experience: Career focused on electrical design projects for schools, universities, libraries, theaters, museums, healthcare facilities, senior living communities, and historic preservation. Experienced in managing budgets, schedules, and client coordination, with strong problem-solving and leadership skills.

Why are you the best candidate for the office?

For 20 years Richfield has been my family’s home. We chose this village for its rural charm, low taxes, and safe neighborhoods, and I’m running for Council to preserve and strengthen those qualities.

I bring 30+ years as an electrical engineer leading and designing complex projects for schools, colleges, libraries, theaters, museums, healthcare, senior living facilities, and historic preservation. This experience sharpened my skills in problem-solving, fiscal responsibility, and delivering results—qualities essential for transparent, effective government.

I’ve been active in Richfield through the Comprehensive Land Use Plan workshops and as President of the USATF Lake Erie Association, overseeing budgets, events, and collaboration.

At 56, I offer a fresh yet seasoned perspective and am known as a good listener who bases decisions on facts and the community’s needs.

What are the top priorities you seek to address once in office?

Fair and Consistent Ordinance Enforcement: Apply village codes evenly to maintain community standards, protect property values, and keep Richfield safe, well-kept, and welcoming.

Preserve Our Semi Rural Character: Limit overdevelopment, safeguard open space, and protect the scenic charm that makes Richfield unique.

Support Strong Safety Services: Ensure our police and fire departments have the staffing, training, and resources to remain top-tier.

Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency: Continue smart budgeting with limited bureaucracy and open, accountable leadership.

Protect Quality of Life: Champion thoughtful growth, keep taxes low, and maintain the high level of services residents rely on.

What strategies will you use to accomplish those priorities?

Listening to residents is at the heart of my approach. Their concerns, ideas, and experiences will guide my decisions on Council. I will work closely with Richfield’s police, fire, zoning, and public works teams, as well as regional and county partners, to anticipate challenges and share best practices. I will insist on clear and transparent budgeting and competitive bidding so residents know exactly how their tax dollars are spent. I will also support proactive planning by regularly updating our land-use and zoning codes to manage growth before it happens and keep residents informed with regular updates and open communication about decisions and upcoming issues.