City of Brunswick looking to fill Ward 3 vacancy

BRUNSWICK — Applications are now being accepted by the city to fill its Brunswick City Council Ward 3 vacancy. Current Ward 3 Councilman Brandon Lambert announced he is stepping away from the role and will "move on to other priorities and opportunities in (his) life" in a letter to the community on Tuesday. "This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right time for both myself and the community," he stated. In the letter, Lambert also stated he is withdrawing from the Medina County commissioner race. He was running against Julie McNabb as the Republican candidate for commissioner in the May 5 election. "I appreciate the encouragement and support I have received during this campaign, but I believe this is the best decision for me and my family at this time," he stated. Lambert was elected to his second term as Ward 3 councilman in 2023. "During my time in office, I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated colleagues, city staff, and, most importantly, the residents who make Brunswick such a special place to live," he stated. "Your support, input and engagement have meant more to me than I can fully express." Lambert described serving as Ward 3 Councilman as "one of the greatest honors of my life," and he stated he is grateful for the opportunity to represent and serve the Brunswick community. "I remain incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and confident in the continued strength and future of Brunswick," he stated. "I know that our city will continue to grow and thrive because of the people who care deeply about it." Vice Mayor Nick Hanek said Lambert resigned effective April 30. Applications for the seat can be found on the city's website at brunswick.oh.us, and the application deadline is 4 p.m. May 1. "You have to be a resident for Ward 3, a registered voter and you have to be a resident for the last two years in Ward 3," he said. A special Council meeting will be scheduled the week after the application deadline to interview candidates and potentially appoint someone, Hanek said. It is an appointment to fill the term, which goes through December 2027. Candidates would have to run next year to keep the position for the next term. "There's a filing deadline in February, and they would appear on either the primary or the general election ballot," he said. "We don't have primaries if there's not three candidates that file, so it's a possible primary. If someone wants to continue to do this, they need to be prepared to turn around and basically campaign next year." Hanek said he would like to have the role filled as quickly as possible to ensure Ward 3 residents have adequate representation. "We're very thankful for Councilman Lambert's service, and as his friend and colleague, I wish him nothing but the best," he said. "Whoever has to take this over has big shoes to fill." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.