6 Running for At-Large, 5 for Ward Seats and 4 for Mayor in Avon

A host of candidates have filed for council, at-large and mayoral seats in Avon for the Nov. 5 General Election. Avon’s election is non-partisan. Filing deadline for the  Lorain County Board of Elections was Aug. 7.

The upcoming election marks a major change for Avon’s council members, which were previously held every two years for the entire 7-person council slate.

A charter amendment approved in November of 2012 means that elections for at-large candidates and ward candidates will be staggered after the November 2013 election.

Voters will approve at-large candidates for a two-year term and ward representatives for a four-year term on Nov. 5. In 2015, at-large council candidates will run four a four-year term, creating staggered elections every four years.

Sitting Mayor Jim Smith announced earlier he will not seek re-election, ending 20 years of service. Three council representatives, Brian Jensen, Kevin Ward and Dan Zegarac as well as a lawyer Rich Summers have filed to run for mayor.

Three ward council members,  Dennis McBride, Mary Berges and Daniel Urban are running unopposed. Six individuals, including incumbent Craig Witherspoon, are seeking at-Large seats.

Council at-Large (elect 3 at-large representatives)

• Steven M. Balmert, 38475 French Creek Rd.     
• Lee E Belardo, 2567 Deerfield Dr.                   
• Tammy S. Holtzmeier, 36776 Bellcrest Dr.       
• Michael McDonough 34790 Timberview            
• Brian Parsons 2245 Peregrine Dr.                   
• *Craig Witherspoon 2765 Elizabeth Dr.            

Avon City Council: Wards (elect 1 per ward)

• Robert Butkowski    36322 Wendell St.           Ward 1 
• Douglas A. Haessig 36717 Glendenning St.      Ward 1 
• *Dennis McBride     2161 Lake Pointe Dr.        Ward 2 
• *Mary Berges         35985 Ithaca Dr.             Ward 3 
• *Daniel C. Urban    3388 Vineyard Park          Ward 4

Mayor (elect 1)

• Bryan K. Jensen   2542 N. Long Rd.              
• Rich Summers     36106 Billingsley Row                             
• Kevin M. Ward     2501 Ithaca Dr.                  
• Dan Zegarac        37767 Lake Dr.                  

*incumbent