Ted Kalo, 45
Party: Democrat
Hometown: Lorain
Occupation: President of Ted’s Floor Coverings in Lorain
Education: 1979 graduate of Admiral King High School; attended Cleveland State University and Lorain County Community College
Previous elected office held: First-term Lorain County commissioner, Democrat precinct committeeman
Unsuccessful election bids: None
Family: Wife, Wendy (Strickler), and children, Bryan, 22, Nicole, 21, Brittany, 18, Ted IV, 18, and Leigha, 16

Joshua Meszes, 25
Party: Democrat
Hometown: Carlisle Township
Occupation: Treatment specialist at Berea Children’s Home and marketing/financial manager at Cakes, Candy and Flowers in Elyria
Education: Midview High School, Lorain County Community College, associate’s degree; The Ohio State University, bachelor’s degree
Previous elected office held: None
Unsuccessful election bids: 2006

What is the most pressing issue facing the county?
Kalo: Job development. Our cities, villages, townships and county cannot grow without more employment. We are working proactively to attract more employers to our area which, in turn, will spur capital investment and job growth for our communities. This increased tax base will allow us to repair our aging infrastructure and provide services to our residents. 

Meszes: Operating the county within the budget while preparing for the future. A major impact on the budget is the judicial system. It takes up around 70 percent of the budget.

How do you plan to solve that issue?
Kalo: We need to continue to work cooperatively with our current partners and add new to work with the Lorain County Growth Partnership to retain, expand and attract more employment opportunities for our residents. We have one of the best manufacturing workforces in the nation and we need to continue to sell that fact to prospective companies. We also need to diversify into new industries such as alternative power and biomass.

Meszes: By researching how other counties have dealt with the increased needs of the judicial system. There is a lot to learn from areas that have been through similar situations and what shortcomings they may have had. This will also help us create a plan for the future and help to possibly alleviate some of the current financial dilemma.

Do you see any projects or issues that would need additional tax money in the near future? If so, what and how would you go about finding the funding?
Kalo: The county has aging infrastructure that needs repair to keep us competitive in relation to job creation. Governor Strickland’s stimulus package is geared to communities like ours, and we need to go after those dollars with a vengeance. We also have major safety needs that need to be addressed, like our county jail. We are hoping we can address these issues through creative funding like we have done with the foreclosure issued, but also understand that if our communities are not safe — which is a quality of life issue — we may need to look at additional revenue from a sales tax to meet our safety needs.

Meszes: Running sewers to some areas to entice businesses, such as the $26 million dollar proposal for the quarries project. That could arise again in other areas. The possible need for a new jail in the future if the crime rates continue. Increases in general operations. There are many ways to go about this: Charge more for services, look into grants, restructuring a lot of budgets, developing more cost-effective ways to develop the economy, look into the “dreaded” sales tax increase, charge more for foreclosures, etc. It is about finding the most efficient way without putting a major burden on the populace.

What programs would you like to continue and/or expand?
Kalo: We need to continue to fund and participate as leaders in economic development initiatives because without jobs, we do not have the ability to meet the true needs of our citizens, which are services. I ran for this office in 2004 based on bringing business sense to government and creating a one-stop shop for economic development. I believe we met those initiatives by the creation of the LCGP and the more than 2,400 jobs it has brought to our county in two short years. We have built a cooperative and collaborative economic development entity that is paying dividends that we should see for years to come.

Meszes: I’d like to work on the concept of inter-municipal cooperation. We need to focus on developing stronger communities, better public schooling and better jobs. We have to work together if we want to succeed. There are a lot of programs to develop the economy here; now we have to sort through them to see who is actually providing quality information, planning and development to the community.

Why are you a better choice than your opponent?
Kalo: My business experience, along with my government experience, has given me the ability to make a positive impact on the lives of Lorain Countians. My approach to government is the same as in business; we are here to provide service. All issues are important to the people they affect, from dog kennel issues to sewer issues to housing criminals. We must be prepared and able to address them effectively. I believe I have met those needs.

What would you do differently than the current elected official you are running against?
Meszes: I’d work on developing long-term plans that will take into account the various ways the economy can go. There is a need for a rational approach in this county. We need to develop a risk-reward assessment for every financial venture we take because right now, even the smallest endeavor could prove costly. It all starts with a strong community foundation.

 

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