The News-Herald

2013

Date questionnaire completed: October 9, Office sought: Middlefield Village Council

Election Questionnaire

Political party: Non-Partisan Election Name: Rick Seyer Age: 66 Date of birth: February 12, 1947 Place of birth: Chardon Ohio Home address: 15154 South State Ave, Middlefield, OH 44062 Length of residence in that community: Lifelong Occupation: Barber Employer: Self employed Business address: El Hombre Barber Shop, 14895 North State Ave., Middlefield, OH 44062 Elected office experience: I have had the honor and privilege of ser ving the residents of Middlefield as their Mayor, Councilman and Township Trustee. I was first elected to Village Council in 1973 and have been involved in Middlefield government for over a combined total of 28 years. Non-elected office experience (boards, etc.): Field Representative U. S. Representative Dennis E. Eckart 1984 - 1994 Education (Please only list schools youve graduated from and list degrees if applicable): Cardinal High School 1965 Akron Barber College 1966 Marital status: Married 43 years to Debbie Seyer who died 2009 from breast cancer Name and age of any children: Jason 41 Joshua 35 Organizations: President Middlefield Historical Society Past President Burton Middlefield Rotary Club Should you be elected, what are three specific areas youd like to change, address, improve or further research, and how specifically would you go about it?: We need to look for ways to increase village revenue without raising taxes. Over the past few years, with various plant closings here in the village and the general downturn in the economy, income tax revenues have decreased nearly 30%. Our residents have enjoyed many services like sidewalk snowplowing, leaf pickup, tree branch removal and subsidies to the police budget and recreation department budget, all provided by income tax collection. New residential, commercial and industrial construction must be encouraged and done properly and will add to the tax base. The recreation department must be continued and supported by village council, but ways to increase revenue in order to make the department self-sustaining must be looked at. Increased higher fees for non-residents must be considered. Discussions are underway to examine the feasibility of creating a wi-fi hot spot somewhere in the village in order to provide residents and visitors with the ability to connect to the internet. With smart cell phones, ipods and ipads, along with laptop

computers, instantaneous information is just a click away and must be readily accessible to all.

Whether for past accomplishments or future goals, why should voters elect you?
My experience as an elected official has been both a source of knowledge and education to my colleagues on village council. Many times questions have come up over the years and from past experiences, I have been able to provide the answers. My experience as a small business owner has been beneficial in discussions on how to spend tax dollars. Taxpayer dollars are hard earned dollars and should be spent wisely and with careful consideration. With the election in 2011 of Mayor Garlich, we now have a leader who is determined to grow the tax base and, in return, tax dollars. If I am re-elected, I am committed to being a part of the team that is working to accomplish this. I humbly ask for your vote on November 5 .

NOTE TO CANDIDATES: Please be aware that this questionnaire will be published.