Democrat David Janik challenging GOP incumbent Brenda Phillips for Amherst auditor

David Janik Age: 53 Party: Democratic Education: Master's in higher education administration Family: Wife, Jeana; four children Job history: Bowling Green State University, director, College Access Programs, 2004-2019; Lorain County Community College Division of School, Workforce, & Community Partnerships, 2020-present; Amherst City Council at-large representative, 2013-present. Brenda L. Phillips Age: 62 Party: Republican Education: Bachelor of science in nursing, magna cum laude, University of Toledo; MBA marketing and health care administration, with honors, University of Toledo College of Business Family: Husband, Gerald Gach; two children Job history: Auditor, city of Amherst; business network international director; hospital administrator and medical practice administrator-Toledo; various nursing staff, management and education positions Website: Keep Brenda Phillips City of Amherst Auditor; Email friendsofbrendaphillips@outlook.com. Incumbent Brenda Phillips is looking to hold on to her seat as auditor this November, while longtime City Councilman David Janik challenges her. What makes you the best candidate for the position? JANIK: I have served on the City Council as an at-large representative for 10 years. I therefore have a much-better understanding of the city's budget and annual expenditures. During my tenure at BGSU and LCCC, I have written grants up to $1 million and served as the principal investigator responsible for ensuring all grant funds were spent correctly. Finally, as the CEO of a family with four children, I provided the oversight needed (none of my children will have any college student loan debt) to ensure that all of their basic needs were met and enough money was saved to pay for their college education. PHILLIPS: I currently hold the position of auditor for the city of Amherst and am honored to serve the Amherst community and plan to continue following our stable course. I also have experience in management, budgeting and marketing with a variety of organizations throughout my career. Being a current board member for the Amherst Historical Society, Lorain Community Music Theater, Amherst Northpointe Estates HOA, and previous member for The St. Joseph School Parent Club, has afforded me experience in overseeing the financial health of the organizations and showing good stewardship of those organizations' resources. What is the biggest challenge facing the city and how would you address it? JANIK: I will work with the current team to keep track of all spending and ensure the budget is balanced. As our nation faces more challenges economically, we may need to reduce spending. I have the experience and working knowledge about the city's budget. I also have experience writing and submitting grant proposals. Amherst may need to secure more grant funding to pay for projects that need to be done to improve the city's infrastructure, improve the quality of life for the community, and keep our roads and streets in good condition while maintaining the safety of our city as well. PHILLIPS: The city of Amherst is financially stable, and the goal is to maintain our proven track record by continuing to work closely with the mayor, treasurer and City Council with commitment and integrity.