Neil Hassinger - Medina County Sheriff 1996 - 2012
I have known Lafayette Trustee Lynda Bowers since before she was an adult. I am pleased to endorse her re-election. Lynda is a hardworking trustee who listens, who takes initiative when something needs done and who gets results.
Lynda has successfully worked with state and county officials for speed reductions, lights and four-way stops at dangerous intersections and upgrades to dangerous railroad crossings.
When Lafayette residents could not support a tax increase necessary to fund its independent police department, Lynda worked to keep local protection in place with the funding available. Lynda’s efforts have resulted in improved police services for the residents of Lafayette – without raising taxes.
But Lynda works for the people who live in the township far beyond her trustee responsibilities. Lynda has taken the initiative to help people in foreclosure keep their homes, find resources for needed repairs to homes when the owners could not afford to do it themselves, championed an emergency snow plow program for qualified seniors and residents with disabilities and secured the waiver of permit fees for residents who found themselves having to install handicap ramps. These are just a few examples of how Lynda responds
when she sees a need in her community.
I know Lynda Bowers to be a trustee who works hard to protect Lafayette Township families and their wallets and a trustee who
has truly earned reelection.
I have known Lafayette Trustee Lynda Bowers since before she was an adult. I am pleased to endorse her re-election. Lynda is a hardworking trustee who listens, who takes initiative when something needs done and who gets results.
Lynda has successfully worked with state and county officials for speed reductions, lights and four-way stops at dangerous intersections and upgrades to dangerous railroad crossings.
When Lafayette residents could not support a tax increase necessary to fund its independent police department, Lynda worked to keep local protection in place with the funding available. Lynda’s efforts have resulted in improved police services for the residents of Lafayette – without raising taxes.
But Lynda works for the people who live in the township far beyond her trustee responsibilities. Lynda has taken the initiative to help people in foreclosure keep their homes, find resources for needed repairs to homes when the owners could not afford to do it themselves, championed an emergency snow plow program for qualified seniors and residents with disabilities and secured the waiver of permit fees for residents who found themselves having to install handicap ramps. These are just a few examples of how Lynda responds
when she sees a need in her community.
I know Lynda Bowers to be a trustee who works hard to protect Lafayette Township families and their wallets and a trustee who
has truly earned reelection.
Pat Geissman
Pat Geissman, Medina County Commissioner 1993 - 2020
As a county commissioner, I observed many township trustees. There is no trustee I’ve known who works harder or smarter than Lafayette Township trustee Lynda Bowers. Lynda’s success is unmatched in keeping taxes low by achieving grants and outside funds for services and improvements.
Lynda has taken the initiative to achieve funding to demolish blighted structures, improve roads, provide a resource officer, replacement equipment, even increasing ambulance staffing to around the clock.
Lynda Bowers was elected by trustees statewide, serving eight years with the Ohio Township Association. She has testified in the House and Senate, pushing to eliminate Ohio’s death tax, allowing cost sharing collaboration between townships that lowers taxes, and pressing for zoning authority to preserve the rural character of townships.
It was Trustees Bowers and Costello who successfully pursued legislation to expand the services of EMTs and paramedics. Responders being paid by the hour no longer must just sit at
the station awaiting a call. They can provide basic first aid and prevention services like changing bandages, checking vital signs, or cleaning up a child’s skinned knee while they are already on the clock-- no additional cost to taxpayers. I believe Lafayette Township is still the only county township providing these services.
I have often heard Lynda say the measure of a public servant is not just the job they are required to do, but what
they do to improve the lives of others that is not their job. Lynda lives those words. Know the treasure you have in Trustee Bowers. She uses her common sense and vast knowledge to go beyond the job to identify issues, then serve as a catalyst to find solutions.
Trustee Bowers has certainly earned re-election!
Christopher Kalina is a Former Medina Township Trustee, Current Hinckley Township Trustee who also served as Chair of the Medina, Sharon and Hinckley Township Zoning Commissions.
Hello Lafayette Township community:
Although I’m not a resident of your community, I’ve served in a variety of township and county-wide positions throughout Medina County and am very familiar with the not only the goals of our local townships but also many of the challenges we all face. Over the past 25 years, regardless of the role I played, community I served or county organization I was involved with, one constant positive resource to all has been Trustee Lynda Bowers. Trustee Bowers is regarded by many as
an expert in township zoning, preservation practices in open space, and innovative ways to preserve what we all cherish about living in a township.
Twenty years ago, while serving as a Township Trustee in a neighboring community, annexation was a major issue. Annexation is a loophole that can introduce high-density zoning into previously rural communities, changing the township way of life. Today, annexation has been limited in Lafayette because Lynda Bowers protected your borders and collaborated with neighboring communities.
Because of Trustee Bowers years of networking, she also knows how to bring the right team together to serve her residents. For example, many feel Lafayette has one of the best zoning departments in Medina County because Lynda brought in a very seasoned zoning inspector and teamed her with an experienced former assistant prosecutor to ensure developers play by the rules and strong zoning is upheld to protect residents. Both of these individuals are retired, which saves tax dollars, but they provide an incredible level of service. This is just one example of many; however, Lafayette has a reputation as having one of the most comprehensive zoning resolutions in no small part to Lynda’s years of hands-on involvement, knowledge, background and
passion.
Zoning is something that nobody thinks about until it impacts them, but bad results can last generations. I strongly endorse Lynda Bowers and encourage residents to keep her working for you and the future of your township.
Hello Lafayette Township community:
Although I’m not a resident of your community, I’ve served in a variety of township and county-wide positions throughout Medina County and am very familiar with the not only the goals of our local townships but also many of the challenges we all face. Over the past 25 years, regardless of the role I played, community I served or county organization I was involved with, one constant positive resource to all has been Trustee Lynda Bowers. Trustee Bowers is regarded by many as
an expert in township zoning, preservation practices in open space, and innovative ways to preserve what we all cherish about living in a township.
Twenty years ago, while serving as a Township Trustee in a neighboring community, annexation was a major issue. Annexation is a loophole that can introduce high-density zoning into previously rural communities, changing the township way of life. Today, annexation has been limited in Lafayette because Lynda Bowers protected your borders and collaborated with neighboring communities.
Because of Trustee Bowers years of networking, she also knows how to bring the right team together to serve her residents. For example, many feel Lafayette has one of the best zoning departments in Medina County because Lynda brought in a very seasoned zoning inspector and teamed her with an experienced former assistant prosecutor to ensure developers play by the rules and strong zoning is upheld to protect residents. Both of these individuals are retired, which saves tax dollars, but they provide an incredible level of service. This is just one example of many; however, Lafayette has a reputation as having one of the most comprehensive zoning resolutions in no small part to Lynda’s years of hands-on involvement, knowledge, background and
passion.
Zoning is something that nobody thinks about until it impacts them, but bad results can last generations. I strongly endorse Lynda Bowers and encourage residents to keep her working for you and the future of your township.
Adam Friedrick
Adam Friedrick, Medina County Commissioner 2011 - 2018
I have worked with and known Lynda Bowers personally, politically and professionally for over ten years now. During that time, I have had many opportunities to observe her character. Her drive. Her desire not only to succeed but to help others to succeed. I have witnessed how she genuinely cares for people. How she goes out of her way to help people. The passion she has for her work. Her farm. Her friends. For the people of Lafayette Township. Mostly I have observed true sacrificial leadership. Leadership that is learned over an incredible career, but also leadership from heart that you cannot teach.
Government at every level needs leaders like Lynda, and Lafayette Township is beyond fortunate to have had her leadership since first becoming a trustee. I heartily endorse Lynda for township trustee in Lafayette Township
Representative Grossman
Hon. Cheryl Grossman, former Ohio House of Representatives, Majority Whip
As the sponsor of H.B. 3 in the 129th General Assembly, Repeal of the Estate Tax, I thank Lynda Bowers for being an outstanding partner in her efforts to eliminate the death tax. Lynda took a courageous stand as a township trustee in doing what was fair and right for the families who often times had to sell their property to pay this unfair tax. I am glad that we were finally able to eliminate the estate tax and grateful to Lynda for providing valuable assistance in accomplishing this important goal for the people of Ohio.
Colene Conley
Colene Conley - former President of Medina County Township Association
and York Township Trustee
I had the pleasure of working with Lynda Bowers for 14 years as a township trustee in neighboring York Township. Also on several County and State level committees.
As a Lafayette trustee, she diligently works to supply residents with the best services for their tax dollars. Lynda even personally will help plow driveways for her seniors when needed. Lynda initiated future cost saving measures for shared equipment with several townships.
Lynda has worked hard as a strong Medina County voice for our concerns to legislators.
There isn't a time when I don't hear what Lynda has done for a resident that improves their quality of life and Lynda is always
the first to offer to help. Lynda Bowers is a true leader in township government and loves the Lafayette Township residents
she serves. Lynda has earned your vote for Lafayette Trustee .
Jeffrey Vorndran
Jeffrey Vorndran
I have known Lynda for most of my life and worked in the maintenance department for Lafayette Township. During this time, I came to realize just how much time and effort is put
into the budgeting, planning and safety in our community.
Lynda seems to always make her duties to our community her first priority before any of
her personal commitments. She was often at the maintenance office ensuring the daily operations were running smoothly and safely and that we had the tools needed to get the
job done right. She also works hard to keep employees and residents well informed of news
that affects us.
Lynda has always been a good friend to my family and me. She is always ready to lend
a helping hand on community clean-up days or even to help a guy find his lost dog on a cold rainy weekend (thanks to Lynda,
we found him!). And she has been an exceptional leader in our community. For these reasons and so many more, I ask you
to please supporting Lynda Bowers for Lafayette Township trustee - a proven leader with no personal agenda who will
continue to show up and get the job done.
Ralph Copley
Ralph J. Copley, former Medina County Emergency Management
Executive Board & Wadsworth City Fire Chief
I have worked on numerous boards, committees and commissions with Lynda and can
assure you that the safety of the residents, the fiscal responsibility of the entities involved,
and making the tough, but right decision, is by far the most important in all dealings I have
worked with her on.
Lynda will spend the countless hours it will take to get all the facts to assure she makes
the right decision that is best for the residents she represents. At no time have I ever
questioned any facts Lynda presented as I know she always does her homework prior to
bringing an issue to the table and she always has the logical answer to address any
issues she is involved with.
Executive Board & Wadsworth City Fire Chief
I have worked on numerous boards, committees and commissions with Lynda and can
assure you that the safety of the residents, the fiscal responsibility of the entities involved,
and making the tough, but right decision, is by far the most important in all dealings I have
worked with her on.
Lynda will spend the countless hours it will take to get all the facts to assure she makes
the right decision that is best for the residents she represents. At no time have I ever
questioned any facts Lynda presented as I know she always does her homework prior to
bringing an issue to the table and she always has the logical answer to address any
issues she is involved with.
SO APPRECIATIVE OF THE MANY LETTER TO THE EDITOR!
October 8, 2021
Trustee challengers: don’t know what’s going on or not paying attention?
The politics of personal destruction on the national level is bad enough, but when I see it in my own community, I am speaking up.
Trustees Lynda Bowers and Michael Costello serve us well. Extremely well. They consistently plan ways to keep our taxes lower. They know how to search out grants and other outside funding. Local taxpayers don’t have to pay for improvements and services received with these literally millions of dollars.
Since the majority of voters approved the safety service building tax, Bowers and Costello developed and have stayed on a plan to pay the tax off early.
The Lafayette trustees are always available, out in the community, on social media, and a phone call or email away. If something needs attention, they call a meeting and get it done.
All this whining about “transparency” and claiming not to know what Lafayette trustees do is childish. If you want information, go to a meeting as I do. And I don’t mean just the last two meetings because you decided to run for office. Or how about reading the seven years of meeting minutes that are conveniently available on the World Wide Web? They couldn’t be more transparent. There is no excuse for anyone running for trustee not to know how to access public information pertaining to the job.
Are challengers complaining they don’t know what is going on or are they really admitting they haven’t paid attention and don’t know what trustees do?
Mark Fredrick
Medina
October 24, 2021
How frightening for Lafayette Twp. if unqualified candidates get elected
Lafayette residents throwing their support behind the opponents of Lynda Bowers and Michael Costello should take special note of the impressive and informative newsletter that the present Lafayette trustees have just put out via mail, email and websites.
What a testament to the solid leadership exhibited by our current township government! The Lafayette newsletter not only informs its residents but also showcases the variety of events they create for their constituents.
It’s shameful that our Lafayette trustees have to deal with ignorant campaign soundbites that mostly occur through social media. This gross misinformation purports a lack of transparency and inattentiveness in this township, and suggests that calling special meetings is bad because “people work.” Yes, people work. And so do the trustees, engineers, fire chief, zoning inspector, secretary, and road supervisor who attended the Oct. 4 morning meeting to discuss an emergency that had to be legally resolved in two days. Paying overtime to government officials with evening meetings isn’t an option if the township is to stay within budget.
If the opponents of Bowers and Costello can’t conduct meetings in time slots other than after their work hours, I suggest they research just what the trustee job entails and then decide if they actually have the time and the knowledge to cope with it if they win. And how truly frightening it would be for Lafayette Township if unqualified candidates get elected.
Michelle Maloney
Lafayette Township
October 23, 2021
Trustees couldn’t be more accessible or their work more transparent
I am responding to a letter published in the ePost on Oct. 21, 2021. I can appreciate supporting a neighbor’s election bid by trying to be critical of incumbents. However, there are key facts I believe important to share for residents who don’t have decades of history.
He is correct, there was a time, 17 years ago, Lafayette Township had its own small part-time police department. Voters rejected the tax increase necessary to sustain that department six consecutive times. Yes, six times.
Trustee Lynda Bowers stepped up as the leader she was elected to be, presenting an effective and affordable alternative: a contract to share services. At the ballot, voters approved switching to a contract service by a sound margin. Achieving more than twice the service at about half the previous cost was apparently a no-brainer to voters.
His letter went on to describe special meetings as “closed door.” Special meetings are open to the public, advertised and held in accordance with the same legal requirements as any other meeting. They are simply a way to handle, in a timely manner, issues that arise. That is responsive government that should be applauded.
The real head scratcher is the criticism of the annual newsletter while claiming to promote transparency. I would actually like to receive one more often but appreciate that cost is an issue. Fortunately, for residents like me who want to stay more informed, Trustee Bowers, at her own expense, provides a constant contact e-news service for residents who want it. Additionally, both Trustee Bowers and Costello have social media pages as Trustees where they post information.
Our trustees could not be more accessible or their work on our behalf more transparent. There is no excuse for anyone who sincerely wants to know what is happening in our local government not to know.
Loretta DeMay
Lafayette Township
October 26, 2021
In the mid-seventies, I built a home and barn on eleven-plus acres on family farmland in Lafayette Township. In the late 1990’s, when Lynda Bowers became a trustee, she inherited a township with debt and minimal services. This is the reason she is adamant that the township stays within budget.
In shopping for the township, be it a fire truck or an off-the-road vehicle, Lynda remains her frugal self. While nice, new, and shiny appeal to township pride, a less expensive item that performs just as well gives the budget wiggle room if emergencies arise. I want to believe most families operate on the same principle.
When Lynda Bowers doesn’t even want to spend township money at all, she collaborates with other entities and they swap machinery and manpower to complete a project. In fact, in the current Lafayette newsletter, there is a picture of former Senator Obhof with our trustees taken after Lynda’s request for a law governing such collaboration was passed.
Except for the last pandemic year, Bowers has researched, written and published a newsletter for over twenty years, and the 2021 newsletter is an excellent primer for how townships could communicate with residents.
Every Lafayette voter should read the mailed newsletter. While it is well-written and informative on a wide array of pertinent topics, it also gives township residents the necessary tools and guidance for successful township living.
Read the newsletter, become informed, and then vote for Lafayette incumbents Bowers and Costello!
Carl L. Ulich
Lafayette Township
October 16, 2021
Lynda Bowers and Mike Costello have certainly earned your vote
We have been residents of Lafayette Township for over 50 years. My family goes back over 150 years in Lafayette. I’ve always been proud to be a resident of this township. As such, I have attended many meetings of the last several years and I am constantly impressed with the ability of the trustees to cite laws dictated by the State of Ohio. No research is necessary - the info is presented by the trustees without having to look it up.
There’s been a question of transparency - it’s on the website. Also, the meetings are advertised in the newspaper - even the executive session meetings. Look up the info you want.
Not only is the integrity of the trustees beyond reproach but they go well beyond their responsibilities in dealing with residents. There is so much beyond their duties that they do for residents that even I don’t know all of it. It is however, available for the asking. I urge you to attend some of the meetings to get to know some of what goes on. I think you’ll be impressed also. Lynda Bowers and Mike Costello have certainly earned your vote. Hope to see you at the polls and the meetings.
Guyles Clifford
Medina
October 14, 2021
Trustees Bowers and Costello have earned votes for re-election
As a county commissioner, I observed many township trustees. There is no trustee I’ve known who works harder or smarter than Lafayette Township trustee Lynda Bowers. Lynda’s success is unmatched in keeping taxes low by achieving grants and outside funds for services and improvements. Lynda has taken the initiative to outside fund demolishing blighted structures, improve roads, provide a resource officer, replace equipment, even increasing ambulance staffing to around the clock service.
Lynda has testified in the House and Senate on behalf of all Ohio townships, pushing to eliminate Ohio’s death tax, allowing cost sharing collaborations that lowers taxes, and pressing for increased zoning authority to preserve the rural character of townships.
It was Trustee Bowers and Costello who successfully pursued legislation to expand EMT and paramedic services. Responders being paid by the hour no longer must just sit at the station awaiting a call. They can provide basic first aid and prevention services like changing bandages, checking vital signs, or cleaning up a child’s skinned knee while they are already on the clock-- no additional cost to taxpayers. I believe Lafayette Township is still the only county township providing these services.
Lynda uses common sense and a vast knowledge of the issues to identify needs, then serve as a catalyst to find solutions. The entire Lafayette Township Board of Trustees is highly respected by their peers in the county and across the state. Trustee Bowers and Costello have certainly earned re-election!
Pat Geissman
Lodi
