Five Democrats contest Elyria Council at-Large primary

Dwayne Redding Age: 55 Party: Democratic Education: East Technical High School, Cuyahoga Community College, Grand Canyon University, Louisiana State University and the Dallas Theological Seminary. Family: Married; eight children Job history: Retired U.S. armed forces and current part-time public safety employee Gina Rothgery Age: 58 Party: Democratic Education: North Penn High School (Pennsylvania), Montgomery County Community College Family: Husband of 22 years, Brian; sons Dave and Tyler; daughter-in-law, Nicole; five grandchildren Job history: Grafton police dispatcher in the early 1990s, worked for the city of Elyria from 1994 until Jan. 31, 2025 Chad Schneider Age: 39 Party: Democratic Education: Elyria High School, Hondros College of Business, Lorain County Community College Family: Father of two Job history: Licensed real estate agent at Russell Real Estate Services, licensed in 2003 Phillip Tollett Age: 61 Party: Democratic Education: Elyria Catholic High School, bachelor's degree from Baldwin Wallace University Family: Wife of 38 years, Kathy; children Samuel and Julia Job History: Director of procurement, Canteen Continental, 18 years Matthew Van Wormer Age: 41 Party: Democratic Education: Bachelor of Arts from Bowling Green State University, Elyria Catholic High School Family: Wife, Amanda; three daughters Job history: Branch manager at Huntington National Bank --- Two incumbents and three challengers are vying for four slots in the Democratic primary race to serve as an Elyria City Council at-large representative. There will be only one candidate left out after the May 6 primary election as the top four vote-getters in the primary will go on to represent the Democratic party in the general election. Unlike Council members who represent a specific city ward, at-large positions are voted on by all Elyria voters. Councilmen Chad Schneider and Phillip Tollett both are seeking reelection, while Dwayne Redding, Gina Rothgery and Matthew Van Wormer are all seeking to serve as elected city officials for the first time. Council is guaranteed at least two new representatives, because Council President Vic Stewart, D-at large, and Councilman Thomas Callahan, D-At-Large, opted not to seek reelection. What makes you the best candidate for the position? Redding: I would not say the best candidate, but potentially, a great candidate. If I am successful through the primary process and that leads to being accepted in November, I would work to bring fresh perspectives and a renewed sense of purpose to the Council table and listen to the community. When we make the needs and voices of our citizens the focus of government and work tirelessly to meet those needs, the entire city benefits. Rothgery: I have worked in the public sector (City of Elyria) and GPD for over 31 years. I believe that my experience with city budgeting, infrastructure, departments, unions, payroll, protocols and working within a number of departments supports my major strengths for this position. I have a strong work ethic and experience with administrations and the public. Schneider: My local and governmental experiences. I am proud to be an incumbent seeking a third term for City Council at large. In my Council position, I currently serve as the chair of the Community Development Committee and continue to serve on the Finance Committee. I also serve as the Council representative on the Elyria Township JEDD and Elyria CIC (Community Improvement Corporation). Prior to my time on Council, I have served numerous terms on the Elyria Planning Commission as well as the Elyria Township Zoning Board. I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of Elyrians in real estate. Tollett: I am the best candidate because of my preparation and experience. I never go into a meeting or a discussion uninformed. I am also diligent. I will fight for what I believe is right. Van Wormer: As someone who works with Elyrians on a daily basis, I learn a lot about what is important to them. My background in finance and business allows me to look at things creatively when finding solutions to challenges. Working with kids opening their first account to multi-million dollar businesses, I've got a grasp on how to tailor needs based on an individual's or a business' unique situation. What is the biggest challenge facing the city and how would you address it? Redding: One of the biggest challenges facing the city of Elyria is sustainability. I am familiar with the economic impact the city is facing, and if I am successful going forth as a member of Council at large, my goal would be to become aggressive as an agent of the city, compelling organizations, such as innovative tech companies to consider Elyria, not just by letter but actually petitioning and attracting these entities to consider surveying Elyria, Ohio, for possible social, environmental and economic growth. That would bring sustainability to the city of Elyria. Rothgery: I think that budgeting is a big challenge for the city. I believe that continuous applications for grants is a must. These not only help the city finances, but many programs for residents as well. We need to communicate and educate residents to acquire funding for properties. I'm looking forward to delving further into the city budget, funds and expenditures. Business coming to Elyria is crucial. Presenting the empty businesses and areas in an acceptable and attractive manner will attract incoming business. Schneider: Continued fiscal management and budgeting for the future in an ever-changing economy. Having served on Council and Finance Committee, it is imperative that we keep voter trust with local funding mechanisms (income tax levies). Just like at home, we are up against inflation, rising health care costs and tariff cost increases. Elyria would greatly benefit from increasing the tax base by working with developers and business owners to boost income tax revenues through business expansion and retention. If we boost the tax base and keep voter trust, it's possible to stay financially sound as we have been in recent years. Tollett: The biggest challenge for the city is our city assuming an identity. Are we manufacturing, are we retail, are we a bedroom community and how does this affect residents financially? Because of the city's age, infrastructure updating is critical for long-term success. Van Wormer: Financial leakage. We need to continue to attract businesses, from restaurants to grocery stores to retail to the arts and entertainment, so that the people who live here don't have to leave Elyria for the things they want and need. We have over 50,000 residents, and we need to cater to their needs for every aspect of life.