By MARGIE TRAX PAGE and SHELLEY TERRY - Staff Writers
“Stop the bickering!” That’s the motto of Ashtabula City Council’s new president.
When voters went to the polls Tuesday, they put Democrat Chuck Brockway in the council-at-large seat, with 1,882 votes, or 52 percent, over opponent independent James M. Timonere, who garnered 1,752 votes, or 48 percent, according to unofficial results of the Ashtabula County Board of Elections.
“I’m going to stop the bickering and put our city first,” Brockway said. “I want nothing but the best for our city.”
An Ashtabula native and a past captain of the Ashtabula City Fire Department, Brockway said Tuesday night that he is the man for the job.
Brockway also boasts past political experience, having served on the Ashtabula-Area City Board of Education for two terms, from 1984 to 1992.
In Ward 3, independent candidate Ann Stranman beat incumbent Ericka Severino, who is a Democrat, by 61 votes. Stranman got 197 votes, or 59 percent, and Severino got 136, or 41 percent, according to unofficial Election Board results. Stranman regularly attends council meetings and promises to work with city leaders, not against them.
In Ward 4, Republican Julie Lattimer, the incumbent, squeaked out a win against Democrat James Giannell. Lattimer garnered 327 votes, or 52 percent, versus Giannell, who took 296 votes or 48 percent, according to the unofficial Electon Board results. Lattimer said she would like to see a better relationship between council and city management in her next term.
Incumbent Republican candidate James Trisket also fought a close race against Democrat Ellis Bradley in Ward 5. Trisket picked up 303 votes, or 55 percent, compared to Bradley’s 251 votes, or 45 percent, according to the unofficial Election Board results.
In Geneva, councilmen Philip Cordova and Rodger Fuller retained their seats on City Council, according to unofficial Ashtabula County Board of Elections results.
Newcomer Timothy Miller, who ran a campaign of education and experience, especially in storm-water management, prevailed over incumbent Kim Ebersole.
Cordova was the runaway favorite on the ballot, earning 983 votes (29 percent). Miller got 653 votes (19 percent) and Fuller 605 votes (18 percent).
Not elected to seats were newcomer Mike Shupska, who came in fourth with 585 votes (17 percent), and Ebersole, who came in fifth with 546 votes (16 percent).
Cordova won his second four-year term Tuesday.
“I believe that during the last four years, I have helped Geneva make prudent and fiscally responsible decisions in promoting growth and financial stability,” he said.
Fuller, who retained his seat by just 20 votes, has served as council president for two years. He said he is excited about the city’s momentum.
“I have a number of projects I would like to complete as a member of city council, specifically our Veterans War Memorial,” he said. “We all would like to see recognition given to the members of our community that have given their lives in the service to our country.”
Miller brings a wealth of information and education on storm-water management to the city, as he is the director of the Lake County Stormwater Management Department, is a member of the Geneva Architectural Review Board and served as a member of a steering committee for the Geneva Comprehensive Plan.
“I believe Geneva is currently in a pretty stable position; however, I also think that it is important for the city to capitalize on the expected success of the GaREAT sports complex, as well as the increasing tourism and viticulture industry of Ashtabula County,” he said.
