Six candidates are trying for four open spots on Kipton Council

Six candidates are trying for four open spots on Kipton Council this November. Incumbents Karol Cornelius, Judy Wiele and Cindy Wiles, along with recently appointed Councilman John Yakunovich are hoping to hold on to their seats, while Nick DiFrancesco and Kathleen C. Ross are looking to grab a seat at the table. Yakunovich was appointed to his position in September after Councilman Michael Hill resigned due to health reasons. Wiele was hospitalized at the time this was article prepared and was unable to participate. Karol Cornelius Age: 70 Education: Bachelor's degree in fine arts, Cleveland Institute of Art Family: Husband of 23 years, Bill; two cats Job history: Retired after 35 years in design and composition Nick DiFrancesco Age: 31 Education: Some college Family: Married; three daughters Job history: Works for Catholic Charities running a program called Success For Youth; previously worked in juvenile probation; worked with people with developmental disabilities at Murray Ridge Center; served in the Army 2009-12 Kathleen C. Ross Age: 72 Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting, Ashland University; successful completion of CPA exam Family: Two adult children Job history: Retired from USS and USS/Kobe Steel, Lorain; part-time positions with Oberlin Public Library and Oberlin College Cindy Wiles Age: 62 Education: Some college courses; Elyria High School graduate Family: Married; three adult children; two grandsons Job history: Department of Defense Schools; Lorain Metropolitan Housing; home health aide; waitress; nutrition educator for The Ohio State University Extension Office; direct service provider; cashier and other duties at Goddess Elite in North Olmsted. John Yakunovich Age: 75 Education: Associate degree in micro-electronics Family: Married; three adult children; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild Job history: 36 years at General Motors What makes you the best candidate for the position? Cornelius: As a current Council member, I have made it a priority to pursue grants enabling us to repair our deteriorating streets. As most of our main roads are done, we can now focus on our smaller streets. I feel it's important to prioritize the problems facing the village, and to have a plan to address them in a responsible fashion. DiFrancesco: What makes me the best candidate for this job is that I'm young and very eager to get involved. I want to be involved for the right reasons, not just to make a name for myself. I want to make sure our village residents are happy and we adhere to their needs. My background in different jobs has one main purpose, which is to serve others. I will be proud to serve on the Village Council and will truly listen to the needs of our community members. Ross: The members of Village Council are instrumental in improving and enhancing the lives of the residents of the village. My life experience provides me with the ability to identify and handle problems sensibly, fairly, and efficiently. I would work with the other members of Council and the mayor to fulfill the expectations of the citizens of Kipton. Wiles: I've been in the community 45 years. I grew up here. I love it. Because I've grown up here and I've been active in the community, the community knows me. I listen to what the people want and I help to get it addressed. This is not my first time running. I'm running again because I want to keep Kipton the nice place it is to live in. Yakunovich: I've lived in town for 50 years. I'm interested enough to go to Council meetings, where I was usually the only spectator. I could give them (Council) my opinion at the meetings and I usually brought up something about the park. What is the biggest challenge facing the village and how would you address it? Cornelius: Kipton's charm is also its biggest challenge. With our small population, our resources are limited, making it difficult to address large-scale improvements so needed in the village. The importance of pursuing grants and working with our county agencies can't be overemphasized. DiFrancesco: The biggest challenge facing the village is an obvious one, which is the sewer/storm system. I will work with our mayor, Council members, and other city entities to get this resolved. I will work diligently to make sure this happens in a timely manner. Ross: As in many small communities, resources are limited. My focus would be to work toward finding additional resources via grants, government funding, and/or low-cost loans to support work on streets and roads, sidewalks, sewers, safety, and other concerns that the citizens have. Wiles: The biggest concern we're working on is, of course, finances because we have some sewer issues that drastically need addressed. We are applying for different grants and following up with that, getting different bids, and just keeping up with the issues that pop up as best we can in the meantime. We're really at a standstill until we get bids and receive grants. If a resident has a (sewer) problem, we do our best to handle it for now until we can address the whole problem later after we get funding. Yakunovich: We have a lot of trouble with storm sewers. Everything else is pretty reasonable right now on the street committee. Everyone is doing a pretty good job. The people that are working on it are working with the county. — Christina Jolliffe Read more election guide coverage