Adam Dudziak Adam Dudziak (Submitted) Political party: Democrat Office sought: Lake County Commissioner Age: 43 City of residence: Mentor List campaign websites and/or campaign social media accounts: AdamDudziak.com Occupation: Former Public School Principal in Mentor and Current Realtor Employer: Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Northeast Elected office experience (Office must have appeared on a public ballot): Democratic Central Committee Non-elected experience (boards, organizations, etc.): Coach with Miracle League in Eastlake, LGAAR Member, PTA Vice President Memorial Middle School Education: Marietta College – Bachelors in Science, John Carroll University – Masters Degree in Education, Cleveland State University – Educational Specialist and Superintendent’s License. Should you be elected, what are three specific areas you’d like to change, address, improve or further research, and how specifically would you go about it?: When elected, I would focus on three key areas to enhance our community’s governance and financial health: Reducing General Fund Expenses by at Least 5%: The current commissioners have ballooned general fund expenditures to over $92 million per year. I would conduct a comprehensive audit of our spending to identify areas where we can cut unnecessary costs without sacrificing essential services. This may include renegotiating contracts, eliminating redundant programs, and increasing efficiency in operations. By ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used wisely, we can maintain quality services while reducing the financial burden on our citizens. Restoring First Amendment Rights at Commissioners Meetings: It’s vital for our democracy that citizens have a platform to voice their concerns and opinions. I would advocate for policy changes that allow public comment at all commissioners meetings, ensuring that all community members can participate in discussions that affect them. By implementing a structured public forum, we can foster transparency and truly embody representative government. Tax Relief through Reduced Inside Millage: The current commissioners voted for the highest sales tax increase in Lake County’s history, making our county one of the highest in Ohio (later reversed from extreme public pressure). In light of this, I would work to prevent further tax increases and focus on reducing inside millage. This would involve reviewing our budget to identify sustainable funding sources that allow for this reduction while still supporting essential services. Providing financial relief to citizens is crucial, especially in challenging economic times. Through these focused initiatives, I aim to create a more accountable, responsive, and financially sound government that prioritizes the needs and voices of our community. Whether for past accomplishments or future goals, why should voters elect you?: Voters should elect me based on my proven reputation and strong work ethic as a public school principal in Mentor. I have dedicated my career to fostering an environment where all students can thrive, and I bring that same commitment to serving our community. I am fiscally conservative and committed to maximizing every penny that the hardworking citizens of Lake County earn. I believe in responsible budgeting and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently and effectively. My goal is to drive the entire county toward financial accountability, so we can prioritize essential services without unnecessary waste. I am not afraid to confront challenging issues with courage and integrity. My approach is always rooted in transparency, ensuring that I communicate openly with citizens about the decisions affecting our community. I will answer only to the people I serve, prioritizing their needs above all else. I am not influenced by special interests, and my commitment to the community is unwavering. Furthermore, I am a strong advocate for the working class. They deserve someone who will fight just as hard for them as they are working for their families. I will ensure that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed, standing up for their rights and needs in every decision we make. My personal ethical standard drives me to give 100% of myself to this role. Regardless of political party affiliation, I want every citizen to feel confident that their interests are my primary focus. My goal is to create a more inclusive and responsive government where every voice matters and where we can work together to address the challenges we face. Elect me, and I promise to put our community first in all that I do.