Six candidates are vying for four spots on LaGrange Council

Voters heading to the polls in November will choose from six candidates for four spots on LaGrange Council. Eric Allen Flynn Sr. and write-in candidate Amy Schmitz are hoping to secure one of those seats, while incumbents Dale A. Gregory, Richard D. Honer, Gary R. Kincannon and Barry R. Price want to hold on to their spots. Gregory and Price did not respond to multiple requests for participation. Eric Allen Flynn Sr. Age: 68 Education: associate degree, Myers University; Firelands High School Family: Wife Jan; daughters Aimee Kenska and Andrea Gambish; son Eric Flynn Jr. Job history: Retired from Cooper Tire engineering; Reliance Energy; U.S. Steel; U.S. Navy - Vietnam Conflict Richard D. Honer Age: 64 Education: North Olmsted High School Family: Married, Amy; two children; one grandchild Job history: Restaurant management and supervisory positions Gary R. Kincannon Age: 70 Education: Master's degree in curriculum and instruction, Ashland University; bachelor's degree in education, Ohio University; Keystone High School, 1969 Family: Wife, Karen; daughters Ashley and Kari Job history: Retired after 35 years in the Westlake Schools and five years substitute teaching in Keystone Schools Amy Schmitz Age: 39 Education: Bachelor's degree in applied sciences Family: Married; two sons, ages 23 and 12 Job history: Physical therapist assistant What makes you the best candidate for the position? Flynn: I'm originally from Lorain County, moved to Hancock County once and retired back to LaGrange to enjoy living near our grandkids, of which three are attending Keystone Schools. I'm retired from Cooper Tire as a global reliability specialist. My career with U.S. Steel, Reliance Energy and Cooper Tire has given me the skills, knowledge, and experience to plan and execute projects from an idea to reality. Also, project management has given me the skills to handle spending and budgets. I would like to have the opportunity to work for the residents to bring a new voice to Council. Honer: The combination of my personal work experience, collaborating with customers, suppliers, and employees, plus my 20 years' experience as current LaGrange village councilperson has allowed me to have the tools to build relationships within our community as well as village administration. I take pride in trying to continue to improve our community by organizing and planning events like this year's National Night Out which was in collaboration with the LaGrange Police Department. It's important to me to continue building our community relationships to make this community as best as it can be for future generations. Kincannon: I grew up on Church Street and have lived in LaGrange most of my life. I was appointed to the Village Council in 1996, having 25 years of service. I have been part of many decisions, including constructing the wastewater plant and water tower, and annexation of the Grey Hawk development. Along with LaGrange Township, I helped create the LaGrange Community Park and the Opportunity Way Business Park. I have been president of Council for 15 years and president of the LaGrange Community Improvement Corporation since its inception. The LCIC controls the sale of property in the Opportunity Way Business Park. Schmitz: LaGrange needs a change in power, new ideas and opinions. What is the biggest challenge facing the village and how would you address it? Flynn: 1: Future infrastructure necessary for future growth. 2: LaGrange future, apartment house being built, and future housing on the horizon. This year, heavy rain has caused flooding of homes and property. 3: Surface ground will be covered with blacktop, forcing additional water into the ditches, increasing flooding issues. 4: Future road repairs, such as LaGrange Community Park roadway, as well as many side streets. I will continue pushing these projects in front of Council and the mayor and setting dates to complete these projects, if a date isn't established for completion, these will never be accomplished. Honer: Over the past several years the heavy rainfalls have contributed to flooding in parts of the village. A stormwater fee began several years ago to gather funds to assist with stormwater management. Recently, the village completed a large retention basin directly behind the village administration building. The fee will allow us to continue additional stormwater projects. An important step is a need to improve cooperation with the county on ditch cleaning, not just in the village but also ditches leaving and entering the village as well. Kincannon: Our biggest challenges are similar to other communities: infrastructure, attracting new businesses and flooding. We will be repaving Parklane next year and then portions of Loperwood Lane. We have attracted many new businesses since I've been on Council, but more needs to be done, particularly on Opportunity Way through advertising. Council is also working on flood prevention by constructing a large retention basin and requiring businesses to clean their retention ponds. Our only stormwater outlet is Kilner Ditch. The ditch is filled with trees, shrubs and debris. The county commissioners have promised to clean the ditch, but that hasn't happened. Schmitz: The biggest challenges that I see are the roads and the backing up of sewers during heavy rains causing major flooding. The flooding issue should have been fixed years ago. Money needs to be set aside or looked for from the state to address issues. — Christina Jolliffe Read more election guide coverage