Bedfordtimesregister.com - Six seek two open spots on Walton Hills Council: Quartet of past legislators seek return to Council Chambers

by Tim Troglen

Reporter

Walton Hills -- Villagers will have a full plate of Council candidates Nov. 6 to choose from, including some familiar faces.

Incumbent Councilor Don Kolograf, former Councilors William Allen, Patrick Day, Dave Knapp, Jackie Vlk-Maire and newcomer Gloria Terlosky will compete for two open seats.

Kolograf's four-year term is up. Because Council President Pro-Tem Kevin Hurst is running for mayor, his seat is also open.

Candidates were given a chance Oct. 10 at a Walton Hills Citizen's League candidates night to sound off on some of the issues. Among the issues discussed was the village's pull-out attempt from Bedford Schools.

Allen wants school transfer
issue taken 'all the way'

"I don't believe this community is going to rest, nor is Bedford (Schools) going to rest, until this is brought to a head," Allen said. "And the only way it is going to be brought to a head is to take is all the way. Whatever kind of money it takes. We have to put it at rest."

As for a community center being built at Village Hall, Allen said he is for it.

"We can expand the administration offices, the community room and possibly have room for an EMS station underneath," he said.

Allen said he "brings a lifetime of service and experience to the village."

"I will do my best for all the residents equally," Allen said. "I have the experience and the knowledge to be successful for everyone's benefit. Open debate and the diversity of ideas is what makes this country strong."

Day calls school issue
spending 'obscene'

"I was totally against spending any money," he said. "We've heard figures already of about $900,000. I think that is obscene."

As for the community center, Day said he wants it to be built on Walton Road.

"We obtained the 11 acres on Walton Road from Bedford Schools," Day said. "It can be back off the road, out of site from any residents, with nature trails."

Day said the "single biggest accomplishment in the village" in the past 15 years has been an income tax increase which he helped get on the ballot and get passed.

"That's the reason we can put the swings up at the park," Day said. "That's the reason we can talk about a larger community center."

Knapp wants issue
'followed to the end'

"I'm a firm believer in the process," Knapp said. "You set a road and you follow that process until it gets to the end. We need to follow this to its conclusion, whichever way it ends up."

Knapp said he wants a community center to be built behind the current Village Hall.

"I believe this is the village center," Knapp said. "We could really be able to build a cohesive municipal center here in the center of the village."

Knapp said his past record as a Councilor has proven he is able to listen.

"Volunteerism and community activism has been a hallmark of my career," Knapp said.

Kolograf supports school pull-out

"I've always supported the transfer out of the Bedford City School District," Kolograf said. "And one reason is that as your elected official, I feel that is what the majority of the residents want."

Kolograf said he voted for center to be built at T.G. Young Park.

"We surveyed the people and the majority of the people wanted it up at the park," Kolograf said. "As an elected official, I have to vote for what the majority of the people want. And that's what I did."

He said his objectives, if re-elected, would include "continuing to support transferring out of the Bedford Schools, improve economic development, maintain a country-home atmosphere and good services."

"We live in a beautiful village and I'm proud to be a part of it," he said. "And I want to continue to improve it."

Terlosky: Court 'will not let Walton Hills out'

"The state of Ohio is not going to let Walton Hills out of Bedford Schools," she said. "I myself would not vote to approve any more money after this point."

Terlosky said she wants to see a community center built on Walton Road.

"I like the idea of having a park on Walton Road," she said. She said having a park away from the Village Hall would cut down on parking and traffic confusion during games.

Terlosky said her years in municipal government have helped her hone her communication skills.

"I have a zest for life, I am a life-long learner and I want to learn from you," she said. "I want to know your wants and needs and I want to work towards that. But it's all about communication. That's the answer to everything, when you sit down and talk about it. I'm willing to sit down and talk about it."

Vlk-Maire seeks resolution to matter

"There is just one more thing we have to do to make sure this is the right thing we've done for the village," she said. "Let it go through to the [Ohio] Supreme Court and let us find out what this final answer is, and once and for all this will be settled."

Vlk-Maire said she wants to see a community center built on Village Hall land.

"We had surveyed it back when I was on Council and we were told at that time the most feasible place, the one that would be the best one for the community, would be here," Vlk-Maire said. "I don't feel that putting a recreation center at T.G. Young Park is the best use of that property. I like to see the green space."

Vlk-Maire said her past experience shows "she is a reasonably good leader and I certainly would not do any worse in the next four years."

"I do know this village wants leaders who can make decisions," she said. "I'm able to make decisions and I understand local government and what I am doing."

E-mail: TTroglen@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3165