Mentor City Council Election 2011 Candidate Profile: Ed Walsh

Editor's Note: As part of Mentor Patch's local election coverage, we will provide profiles of each of the candidates running for office. These profiles will offer biographical and issue-oriented details about each of the candidates to help you, the voters, make more-informed decisions at the ballot box.

Stay tuned for more coverage of the election.

Name: Ed Walsh

Age: 70

Occupation: Retired Chief Building Official

Education: St. Joseph High School Graduate, 4 year program for certified electrical (IBEW), Lakeland Community College, John Carroll University, Chief Building Official Certification.

Office Sought: Ward 3 

Elected Experience: Mentor Ward 3 Councilman, 4-term Mentor Vice President of Council, Mentor President of Council.

Non-Elected Experience: Member of Mentor Finance Committee; Mentor Economic Development Committee; American Planning Assoc.; Certified Building Officials Council; Three Rivers Basin Committee (road & soil runoff problems); IBEW, local 38; Advisory committee for the Garbage & Rubbish legislation; Western Reserve Homeowners Assn.; Lagoons Preservation Committee; Senior Citizens Advisory Board; Member of .

Candidate Statement: As your Ward 3 Councilman, I have demonstrated my leadership experience, by the many achievements I have worked diligently to accomplish for the residents of Ward 3.

I have protected the integrity of the residential community by opposing adverse zoning that would affect Ward 3 neighborhoods’ safety and home values. Maintaining the quality of services in Ward 3 is utmost important to me.

Bellflower Road is in much need of repair and resurfacing. Through my dedicated efforts to resolve this problem, the total road will be repaired and resurfaced beginning June, 2012. There will be no tax increase to the residents.

I am currently working to correct the surface water problems in Ward 3 – the only area the city can actually control. The Lake County Utilities and the Lake County Engineer each have a responsibility in managing the Ward 3 flooding issues.

I am working with the Administration on adding more retention basins to control surface water run-off, which will help protect the residents’ homes from flooding. Plans are currently being completed to add an additional retention basin within the Two Town Ditch corridor. There will be no tax increase to the residents.

As your Ward 3 Councilman, I have been working aggressively with the administration on these flooding problems. I am constantly updated and in turn, I notify my affected residents as to what each department is correcting.

Our goal is resolution of the flooding issue, which has been severe this year, due to the unusually heavy rain storms we have experienced.

I am passionate about saving hard earned dollars for all Mentor residents by helping to pay for garbage and refuge collection - a real help to seniors and others on fixed incomes, especially during our present economic crisis.

I will continue to be your voice on Council by maintaining quality safety services, roads, parks AND ensuring your tax dollars are spent wisely, which is evidenced by the City maintaining year over year balanced budgets without raising taxes.

The quality of life Mentor offers was recognized by CNN/Money Magazine rating Mentor as one of the 100 best cities to live in.

I have always been available to my constituents and I am always there when needed. I will continue to listen to your concerns and represent your needs on Council. I will implement fair & honest legislation that will be a positive impact on your quality of life in Ward 3.

I consider it a privilege to be your voice on Mentor City Council, and an honor to serve the residents of Ward 3.