Four candidates seek two Minerva Village Council seats

As a service to readers, The Free Press Standard sent letters with questions to contested candidates for the two Minerva Village Council seats to be filled at the Nov. 4 general election. 

Four candidates are seeking the full four-year terms. They include Christine M. Coe, Alex Gotschall, Jennifer L. Jordan and Aaron Stoller. 

Bob Harris is uncontested for the unexpired council term ending Dec. 31, 2027. 

Following are answers to questions submitted to each candidate. 

Alex David Gotschall 

33, 206 E. Lincoln Way, Minerva 

Why are you seeking a seat on council? 

"I am seeking a seat on village council in Minerva to better serve my community. Some examples of that could be to seek to improve living conditions, give back, and help support vulnerable groups. 

"Aside from helping to serve my community, I would like to help influence development projects and local policies and ensure fairness for everyone in our community. Bringing new ideas, sustainability, education, and health access are important to me as well. In a few words to summarize: community service, leadership and representation." 

Are you an incumbent or new, and what are your qualifications? 

"As a new candidate, my qualifications: I have a B.A. in business administration, an associate degree in specialized business, I am a member of the Minerva Civic Club, an Eagle Scout, and a lifetime and permanent resident of the village of Minerva." 

What changes, recommendations or proposals do you plan to make for improvement of the village? 

"Some changes, recommendations or proposals I plan for improvement would include encouraging discussion on local issues and solutions, forming local committees, promoting volunteering, as well as cultural and sporting events. Helping improve basic infrastructure where it is needed (i.e., roads and waterlines), boosting the local economy and livelihoods." 

Jennifer L. Jordan 

52, 212 Pennsylvania Ave., Minerva 

Why are you seeking a seat on council? 

"I am running to keep my current position on council. I have come to know everyone on council and enjoy the established friendship. I want to continue to be a part of council so I can see the future plans established move forward." 

Are you an incumbent or new, and what are your qualifications? 

"I am an incumbent. I grew up in Minerva. I graduated from Minerva High School in ’91. My children all graduated from Minerva. While my children were in school, I spent many years as the Minerva High School marching band’s uniform coordinator. I have always had a desire to serve and help others. I have a bachelor’s degree in education with a focus on science and social studies. I feel being on council helps me be a better teacher. I like to teach and give correct information." 

What changes, recommendations or proposals do you plan to make for improvement of the village? 

"I would like to see the Trap, Neuter, Return program continue. I know our village has a stray cat problem, and studies show the program does work. Most of the improvements the village needs are already being addressed." 

Aaron Stoller 

48, 505 Queen St., Minerva 

Why are you seeking a seat on council? 

"I am seeking a four-year term on village council to help shape the village’s future. Our village is at an age where we have to make upgrades to our infrastructure, as it is a vital part of basic operations. We also have to collaborate with other government agencies for efficiency, plus work with our local businesses and attract new businesses to our great community." 

Are you an incumbent or new, and what are your qualifications? 

"I would be new to village council, but I have been involved in government for the past 30 years. I currently serve on the Village of Minerva Planning Commission, where we oversee the zoning code and village development. I have a background in public service, having served on the fire department for the last 30 years and the past 15 years as fire chief. I will be retiring from the fire department Oct. 31. I have completed numerous classes in governmental operations and understanding government budgets." 

What changes, recommendations or proposals do you plan to make for improvement of the village? 

"I plan to work with the rest of village council and the administrator on infrastructure improvements, such as waterline replacements, continued street paving, and updates to our water treatment plant. All these operations of the village need to be kept up to allow for growth as it becomes available to us. We need to work on the availability of single-family homes to allow our businesses to have a workforce available to them. Council also needs to make sure our departments have what they need to be effective in their operations." 

Christine M. Coe did not respond.