Commissioner Matt Lundy faces challenge from Jeff Riddell

Matt Lundy Age: 62 Party: Democratic Education: Lorain County Community College; bachelor's degree, human resource management, Friends University, Kansas. Family: married Job History: Lorain County commissioner, 2015 to present; Ohio House of Representatives, 55th House District, 2007-2014; former assistant safety-service director, city of Elyria; Avon Lake City Council, 1994-1995; former radio and television journalist Website: mattlundy.com Jeffrey "Jeff" Riddell Age: 70 Party: Republican Education: Lorain High School; bachelor's degree in accounting, Penn State University Family: married to Donna for 44 years; four children; six grandchildren Job History: president of family business, Consumers Builder Supply, 48 years Website: VoteforRiddell.com Incumbent Lorain County Commissioner Matt Lundy is facing a challenge from businessman Jeff Riddell for a seat on the three-member Board of Commissioners in the election Nov. 8. Lundy, a Democrat, has been on the commission since 2015. Before that was an elected two-term state representative in the Ohio House of Representatives, worked in Elyria City Hall, served on Avon Lake City Council and was a television and radio journalist. A Republican, Riddell is president and fourth-generation owner of Consumer Builders Supply on North Ridge Road in Sheffield Township and also served on the Lorain County Community College Board of Trustees. What makes you the best candidate for the position? Lundy: I listen to the taxpayers of Lorain County. That's why I voted to cut the county sales tax so that residents can keep more of their money. I'm the only candidate in this race who has pledged not to raise the county sales tax. I am known for working in a bipartisan fashion. We must work together to do the work of the people. My record is strong — balancing the budget and making sure law enforcement gets the funding needed to protect our families. We must stand with the brave men and women in law enforcement. Riddell: I came up through the ranks from tow motor operator to the desk where the buck stops. I have worked with a diverse employee crew to serve an even more diverse customer base. I will take charge and stop the chaos in the commissioners' office that is an embarrassment that is led by my opponent. He has created the chaos to deny the change voters demanded in 2020. Employee morale and pride are my priority because that leads to excellent service to and for our residents. County money must be spent for the benefit of all county residents, not just to benefit political cronies or vote buying. What is the biggest challenge facing the county and how would you address it? Lundy: There's too much political division. We must work together to make our county a better place. I've worked closely with state and local leaders to protect and grow our jobs. "Made in America" needs to be our focus. When funding was cut for local veterans, I worked across the aisle to get the funding restored. When others played politics in an effort to divide us, I focused on making common-sense decisions to bring stability to county government and our families. We must listen to what the taxpayers want. Riddell: Getting Lorain County in position to share in Ohio's progress and success. We need a healthy economy so employers come to Lorain County and stay; so our children and neighbors can stay in their hometowns and enjoy the best that our county has to offer. We can do this without raising taxes if we all work together. That starts with commissioners who build the vision, and a team to execute it. Passing out money without a plan alone is not leadership. Spending to vision and plan is what we need. Listen, and then come up with an effective plan together.