Seven Republicans file challenges for Elyria City Council positions

ELYRIA — Republicans are making a play for Elyria City Council in the upcoming election. Seven Republicans filed to run in this year's elections for Council. Four of those are aiming for the at-large seats. Elyria Republican Party Chair Jeff Baxter, former City Councilman Garry Gibbs, as well as Larry Beckman and Jeff Heathcote all are making a run for the at-large seats. There are four at-large seats on Council. Baxter said Republicans aren't happy with the way things have gone in the city. After a lot of talking in the last year or two, Baxter said Elyria Republicans decided to try to get more candidates on the ballot. "Voters need choices, and they haven't had that in a lot of past years,'' Baxter said. "Not only in Elyria, but Lorain County. For Elyria, we decided this year we'd try to make a change." In recent years, Republicans haven't been in many Elyria races. Two years ago, the mayoral race had no Republican candidates. Only two Republicans ran for City Council in 2019, other than current Councilman Jack Baird, who is not seeking reelection. Those two were Baxter and fellow at-large candidate Gibbs. Baxter said he's been working hard since his last run to stay involved in the community and wanted to try again for Council. Gibbs, who was an Elyria councilman for 20 years before losing to Mark Jessie, D-3rd Ward, is unhappy with the state of the city. He said economic activity has failed, and City Council and the mayor haven't presented a blueprint to move forward. He said Elyria is on its way to becoming a ghost town, and Gibbs wants to come into Council again to make changes. Beckman said he's lived a life of service, and feels like City Council is the next step. He was a missionary in Africa for Baptist Mid-Missions before working in the organization's corporate office in Middleburg Heights. He continues to serve in churches, and said he feels like he has something to offer to help neighbors and friends. Heathcote did not return a request for comment. On the Democratic side, Chad Schneider, a member of the city Planning Commission, is trying again after he ran in 2019 against Kenny Oswald, D-4th Ward. This time, he's seeking an at-large slot. Schneider said he wanted to try more outreach across the entire city and contribute to some of the growth across the city. He said there's multiple projects going on, like at Midway Mall, that he'd love to help advance. Council President Vic Stewart, D-at large, said he respects anyone who wants to jump in the political arena to benefit the community. "They're trying to make a difference just like I'm trying to make a difference," he said. Stewart said he thinks he's done the best he can, and that his experience on Council is a benefit. He said he'll work hard during his campaign. Cory Price, running as an independent, also filed to run for an at-large seat. He did not return a request for comment. Several ward Council members will also see a general election challenge from Republicans. Oswald will face off in November against Republican Jim Miller, who was recently named director of the Lorain County Port Authority. Oswald said he loves to do the job. He said his construction background gives him an advantage because he understands many of the construction issues that come through Council. He said he's in the middle of the projects to help out residents in his ward, and he wants to be able to continue. "I probably go overboard in trying to take care of people, but I enjoy doing it," he said. Miller said he grew up in Elyria, and he hasn't liked the way things have been going. He said he wants to be part of a push for economic development. He said there are multiple issues across the city, like with the city's second-largest employer leaving, torn-down buildings downtown and the Chestnut Commons connector road. Miller said he wants to position Elyria for success. Jessie also will face an opponent in the 3rd Ward. Jessie has faced a challenger in each of his four elections. He said it is good to have opponents. He said it shows the importance of connection with constituents and not just sitting back and coasting. Jessie said partisan issues have been a nonfactor in Elyria, and he would like to keep it that way. Maurice Corbin III will face off against Jessie in November. Ten years ago, Corbin ran as a Republican for county commissioner. He lost in the primary, but he said he's stayed involved in politics behind the scenes. One of Corbin's biggest priorities is to get the 3rd Ward's streets snowplowed. He said that has rarely happened throughout the ward. He also would like to focus on the traffic congestion at Chestnut Commons. Corbin said the connector road will just bring more traffic once it's developed, and he wants to see other solutions for the congestion. For the first time in more than 10 years, Marcus Madison will not be on the ballot for the 5th Ward. Madison left his seat last year and Diane Simmons was selected to take his place. Simmons, a Democrat, will have a primary challenger in LeighAnn Arroyo, a Democrat who is running for her third time. Arroyo said she wants to focus on getting roads repaved in the 5th Ward, and involving more youth in the community. She said youth are the future of the city, and they should be invested in more. Arroyo would also like to see a greater police presence in the 5th Ward. Simmons did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Councilwoman Donna Mitchell, D-6th Ward, will face a primary challenger from Democrat Alyssa Hodge. Mitchell said she's excited about running and having another opportunity to serve residents. As chair of the Utilities Committee, she said streets are her priority. Mitchell called it her favorite time of the year because it's what residents want most — to see streets repaved. Hodge did not return a request for comment. The winner of the 6th Ward primary will face a Republican challenger in November. Marcio Tolentino filed to run for the 6th Ward. He did not return a request for comment. Contact Laina Yost at (440) 329-7121 or lyost@chroniclet.com.