Six vie for three Lorain Council-at-Large seats

Tony Dimacchia Age: 50 Party: Democratic Education: Bachelor's degree, Tiffin University; master's degree, Bowling Green State University Family: Wife, Morgan Dimacchia (nee Mathewson); children: Helayna, 22; Gabriella, 16; Anthony, 12; Stella Rose, 3 Job history: Director of operations, Lorain Schools (Current - two years); director of communications, Lorain Schools (one year); director of operations, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio (15 years); educator, Lorain Schools (six years), Lorain County Community College (10 years) Laborer, Lorain County Engineers (eight years); high school athletics coach at Avon Lake High School, Lorain Admiral King High School, Vermilion High School, Avon High School, Brookside High School, Clearview High School and Avon Lake High School (28 years) Sylvia DuVall Age: 80 Party: Democratic Education: B.A. in education; M.A. in school administration Family: one daughter Job history: Public school teacher for 54 years Mitchell Fallis Age: 70 Party: Democratic Education: Lorain Admiral King High School; Ohio Wesleyan University, Bachelor of Arts in accounting and economics; Baldwin-Wallace College, MBA in project management; Leadership Lorain County leadership training certificate; Ohio Bankers Association bank leadership institute certificate; Ohio School of Banking general banking diploma Family: Wife, Vivian; five adult stepchildren, Nilsa Bivins, Kattie Garcia, Dominique Thompson, Yolanda Thompson and Olivia Thompson Job history: Sheffield Lake finance director, Jan. 1 to Sept. 5 2024; VacationLand Federal Credit Union chief financial officer, 2011 to 2021; Lorain County Community College adjunct professor, 2009 to 2011; AmTrust Bank lead accountant, 2006 to 2008; Lorain National Bank treasurer, 2003 to 2005 and chief accounting officer, 1997 to 2003. Dennis Flores Age: 71 Party: Democratic Education: Lorain Catholic H.S. '73, Phillips Junior College '91 Job history: General Motors, U.S. Steel, Ford Motor Co. – Retired Jacob Reed Age: 46 Party: Democratic Education: 1996 high school graduate; American Culinary Federation certification; human resource management certificate Family: Two children, ages 10 and 11 Job history: 15 years at Oberlin College; two years as president of UAW Local 2192 Mary Springowski Age: 59 Party: Democratic Education: 1984 graduate, Firelands High School; attended The Ohio State University and Tri-C; currently attending LCCC studying human resources and business administration; paralegal certification from LCCC Family: Husband, Tom; four children; four grandchildren Job history: 32½ years Ford Motor Company (OHAP and Cleveland Engine), retired May 2024; project site secretary, Gilbane Building Company; Lorain County Clerk of Courts deputy clerk; 10 years on City Council as Council at large Website: https://www.facebook.com/Marycampaignpage https://www.facebook.com/MarySpringowskiforLorain (council page) LORAIN — A crowded race of candidates hope to represent all of Lorain as an at-large councilperson. This year's Democratic primary sees three incumbents, Tony Dimacchia, Sylvia DuVall and Mary Springowski, facing three challengers, Mitchell Fallis, Dennis Flores and Jacob Reed. Flores and Fallis have previously served on Council. Fallis was an at-large councilman from 2008 to 2011 and from 2016 to 2021. Flores served as Ward 2 councilman from 2008 to 2009 and 2012 to 2019. Reed is the only political newcomer. The top three vote-getters will move on to the November general election. No Republicans sought the positions. What makes you the best candidate for the position? DIMACCHIA: Voters in Lorain should vote for me if they want an honest, hardworking, lifelong resident fighting for their concerns and addressing them without any agenda other than making our city better. I have been and will continue to be a community advocate and experienced leader with demonstrated commitment to public service. I will work hard to represent our residents by focusing on public safety, economic development and infrastructure. DuVALL: I am the best candidate for the position because of my many years of teaching the citizens of this city and my many years of working with organizations that serve the city. I have heard their concerns, joys and frustrations. I am committed to serving with integrity, honesty and transparency. My greatest desire is that the citizens know they are valued for the culture and atmosphere they bring to our town and that decisions that affect their lives reflect this belief. FALLIS: With 12 years on City Council, I bring a strong combination of financial management experience and economic development leadership. I've gained a deep understanding of city operations and championed legislation that improves quality of life, including: allocating millions for roadways, sidewalks and the 21st Street underpass lighting; supporting the cleanup of brownfields at the Black River, Pellet Terminal, and St. Joseph Hospital sites; enhancing parks, playgrounds, and introducing a Go-Kart racetrack to boost recreational opportunities; supporting new home construction and removing blight to raise home values; championed reducing utility rates by $3.9 million. I remain committed to further progress. FLORES: The best thing that ever happened to me was being born in Lorain. I've spent over 30 years serving this city — 10 of those on City Council, working across all major committees. I've volunteered with youth programs, community boards, and cultural events. I'm dedicated, resilient, and deeply invested in Lorain's future. From the Mayor's Youth Council in 1973 to today, I've stayed active because I care. I'm not just running—I'm rooted here. I want Lorain to be a place people are proud to live in, stay in, or return to. REED: I have been a leader in the UAW for nine years. For most of those years I have spent my time representing people and negotiating contracts. I feel that having this experience representing people makes me the best candidate for Lorain City Council at-Large. Being a public servant is about representing the people. When I am elected to Lorain City Council, I will work hard every day to fulfill my obligation to the people of this city. SPRINGOWSKI: I introduced legislation allowing people to speak at regular council meetings. Residents know that I am there for them and am their de facto voice on Council. I respond to them when others won't. Many people have said that if you want to get something done, get Mary to do it. I encourage residents to look at my voting record. I represent everyone, not just a political party. I am prepared at council meetings. I was the first to realize that the demolition crew at the former St. Joseph hospital was not adhering to the codified ordinances. I will continue to fight to include the residents in city governance. 2. What is the biggest challenge facing the city and how would you address it? DIMACCHIA: We need to take a hard look at the next three years of our financial forecast and continue to evaluate departmental budgets. We also need to engage a third-party negotiator for union contracts to ensure we are doing right by our employees and being fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars. We need to start creating job opportunities and generating revenue. Focusing on homeless shelters should not be our priority. We also need to improve local infrastructure to recruit and retain businesses. The city invested in paving and milling machines. We need to maximize that investment and repair as many roads as possible. DuVALL: I believe one of the biggest challenges facing our city revolves around keeping our citizens safe through judicial use of city finances. We must preserve and enhance our level of safety for our town. Police and fire staffing must be maintained at l that protects our citizens. FALLIS: Lorain faces a $4.7 million shortfall in the general fund, with revenues of $41.4 million and expenses of $46.1 million. With $7 million in cash reserves, the fund will be depleted by 2027. To close this gap, we must increase revenue and reduce expenses. I propose creating an Economic Development Department to boost tax revenue. The budget process, which only reviews the current annual budget, is insufficient. Additionally, I propose a five-year budget review committee with representatives from the administration, council, auditor's office, department heads, and union officials to ensure all parties take responsibility for the city's financial health and create a sustainable budget. FLORES: Lorain is resetting—and with that comes major challenges in housing, jobs, infrastructure, and safety. We need unity and fresh thinking on council to create strong partnerships and practical solutions. We must build our revenue base by attracting jobs, encouraging smart growth, and strengthening our neighborhoods. A shift in mindset and decorum is critical—we can't solve problems if we're divided. I bring experience and a collaborative approach that puts residents first and focuses on results. Our city deserves leadership that's committed to real progress. REED: Our city faces many issues. From the deterioration of our roads, the opioid crisis that is rampant all over our country, and the need for good-paying jobs for our citizens. All these issues need to be addressed. But we need to achieve a sustainable budget for our city. How we get there will be a challenge. We will have to have all our options on the table to achieve this goal. When I am elected to Lorain City Council at-Large, I will be ready to work with the mayor and the other council members to achieve a sustainable budget. SPRINGOWSKI: We must find innovative ways to bring meaningful economic development here to increase revenue streams. We cannot tax our way to prosperity. The only way to garner the revenues needed to provide residents with the services they want is to increase economic development. I'm not afraid to reach out and do what needs to be done. We need to continue our emphasis on quality-of-life issues with code enforcement and increase our safety forces. I would work with the Port Authority and Community Development to aggressively go after opportunities. I have shown my ability to do this with Intel and I am constantly reaching out to bring opportunities to Lorain.