Kos Says He Won’t Run For Council at-Large

Ward IV Councilman David Kos said on Monday that although he pulled petitions to run for Avon Lake Council at-large last month, he will not be running in the November election for one of the three seats.

“On July 19, 2013 I pulled petitions for Avon Lake Council-At-Large,” Kos said in a statement. “This action was not because of any personal animosity towards the current office holders. They are fine and accomplished leaders. I also, strongly reject any notion that I was merely running for the At Large seat in order to position myself for another political race in the near future. Simply and truthfully, I wanted the opportunity to serve a larger constituency.”

Avon-Avon Lake Patch had heard concerns that the move could prove to be divisive since the three at-large councilman Martin O’Donnell, Dan Bucci and John Shondel have already announced their intent to run for re-election in November.

“As of this date, I have decided not to file my signed petitions,” Kos said. “I take responsibility for the timing of my pulling petitions and perhaps better communication on my part would have eased some of the reactions. While I know that I would have provided a strong showing in this election, the relationships and accomplishments I have developed over the years would have suffered.”

The twice-elected councilman said he has been proud of his accomplishments and wanted to expand his constituent base and work on projects in Avon Lake, “regardless of ward boundaries.”

Some of the projects he’s been involved in, including bringing WOW (Wide Open West) cable, preventing Internet cafes and taking taking the fight to First Energy and PUCO on behalf hundreds of homeowners in the Landings development, are citywide.

“I strongly believe that if I was elected At-Large Councilman I would have more opportunities for accomplishments on a city wide scale,” he said.

Kos noted the reaction to pulling petitions was mixed receiving “overwhelming and genuine support” as well as negative reactions.

“Ward 4 is my home,” he said. “Being the only elected official living west of Route 83, I feel a great sense of responsibility and pride for my area. The Belmar Sewer separation project, power plant, and Webber Road reconstruction will be priorities of mine going into 2014 and beyond. I look forward to continuing to serve with my colleagues on Avon Lake City Council on behalf of Ward 4 and the City of Avon Lake.”