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North Olmsted City voters to decide Ward 3 and finance director races

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  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 10:12 GMT by Cleveland.com
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I will fetch the content.North Olmsted City Voters Set to Decide Ward 3 and Finance Director Races

On Saturday, October 14, 2025, residents of North Olmsted will head to their local polling places to determine the next leaders for two pivotal city positions: the Ward 3 council seat and the Finance Director role. The election, held under Ohio’s non‑partisan municipal framework, promises to shape the city’s trajectory on budget priorities, infrastructure projects, and community services for the coming four years.

Ward 3 Council Seat: An Open Field

Ward 3, which covers the northern portion of the city—including the bustling “North Olmsted Crossing” commercial corridor and the historic downtown district—has been a competitive hotbed for years. The incumbent, City Councilmember Patricia “Pat” Reynolds, chose not to seek re‑election after a single term marked by efforts to streamline permitting processes and bolster neighborhood safety initiatives. Reynolds, a former small‑business owner, cited a desire to focus on her family and a growing sense that a fresh perspective could best serve the ward’s evolving needs.

The field features five candidates, each bringing distinct priorities and professional backgrounds:

Lee, a former city planner for Cleveland, emphasized the need for coordinated transit improvements and highlighted plans to expand bike lanes along Main Street. Patel, who has run her café for over a decade, advocated for incentives to attract new retail while preserving the neighborhood’s character. Ortiz’s campaign is built on youth outreach; he proposed partnerships with local schools to launch mentorship programs in underserved districts. Cho stresses long‑term urban sustainability, pushing for green roofs and community land trusts to keep housing affordable. Brooks, known for his volunteer work with the North Olmsted Fire Department, calls for increased funding for emergency services and a reevaluation of the city’s response protocols.

During the campaign, candidates participated in a televised debate at the North Olmsted Community Center. The debate covered pressing concerns such as traffic congestion on 17th Avenue, the feasibility of a new mixed‑use development downtown, and how to maintain the city’s historical landmarks amid new construction.

Finance Director Race: A Strategic Decision

The Finance Director position, elected on a separate ballot, carries responsibility for the city’s budget, financial reporting, and strategic fiscal planning. The role has historically been a linchpin in maintaining North Olmsted’s fiscal health, especially following the 2022 municipal debt‑management initiative that stabilized the city’s credit rating.

The incumbent, Carlos Mendoza, has served since 2019 and oversaw the adoption of a new budgeting software system that increased transparency. Mendoza announced he will not seek a third term, citing a desire to pursue opportunities in the private sector.

Two candidates have officially entered the race:

Kim, whose tenure at Mercy Health involved spearheading a $12 million savings program, argues that a strong reserve is essential to weather economic downturns. She also promises to increase transparency by publishing monthly financial dashboards on the city website. Thompson, a CPA with experience in municipal accounting, pledges to introduce real‑time budget monitoring tools and to reallocate funds toward preventive maintenance of public infrastructure, thereby reducing long‑term repair costs.

In a recent city council meeting, both candidates were asked about the city’s recent debt‑management plan. Kim stated that the plan’s success relied on disciplined spending and an expanded reserve, while Thompson advocated for a balanced approach that also considered revenue‑generation strategies, such as modest tax adjustments aligned with service needs.

Voter Engagement and Civic Participation

North Olmsted’s civic engagement initiatives are in full swing as the city prepares for the election. The City Clerk’s office has set up a series of community forums at the North Olmsted Library, the West Side YMCA, and the North Olmsted High School. These forums aim to provide voters with direct access to candidates, allowing residents to pose questions on budgets, zoning, public safety, and other key issues.

The city’s official election website, accessible at www.northolmstedgov.org/elections, provides downloadable voter guides, candidate questionnaires, and a secure portal for absentee ballot requests. In addition, the website features a “Meet the Candidates” section, offering short video interviews and policy briefs that outline each candidate’s stance on pressing municipal concerns.

The city has also launched a digital push through social media channels, including a dedicated Facebook group “North Olmsted Election 2025” where residents can discuss local issues, share candidate opinions, and register to vote. Local radio station WCLZ 101.3 FM is airing weekly “Election Talk” segments featuring interviews with candidates and live audience call‑in Q&A.

Historical Context and Future Outlook

North Olmsted’s political landscape has evolved significantly over the past decade. In 2014, the city adopted a “Smart Growth” ordinance that guided its expansion toward mixed‑use developments and transit‑oriented projects. The 2018 budget introduced a mandatory financial reserve fund equal to 5% of annual operating expenditures, a measure designed to buffer the city against revenue shortfalls. More recently, the 2022 “Community‑Resilient Infrastructure Initiative” prioritized upgrading storm‑water systems and enhancing public Wi‑Fi coverage.

The upcoming Ward 3 and Finance Director elections are therefore more than a simple ballot exercise; they are a referendum on the city’s direction. Ward 3 voters will decide which vision—whether it leans toward aggressive development, deepening community services, or tightening safety protocols—will guide the ward’s future. Meanwhile, the Finance Director election will determine the fiscal stewardship style that will guide budgeting, debt management, and investment strategies over the next four years.

Final Thoughts

With a diverse field of candidates, robust civic engagement, and a clear record of policy shifts, the North Olmsted election of October 14 stands as a pivotal moment for the community. Voters are encouraged to review each candidate’s platform, attend town‑hall meetings, and familiarize themselves with the city’s fiscal plans before casting their ballots. The outcomes will shape not only the Ward 3 council seat and the Finance Director role but also the broader trajectory of North Olmsted’s growth, resilience, and community well‑being.