Two candidates running for Medina County commissioner

Julie Anne McNabb, 46 Party: Republican Education: She graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in business administration. Family: She is married to Brett McNabb, a retired Medina police detective sergeant. He currently works as an investigator for the Medina County Prosecutor's Office. Together they have a spirited 3-year-old Irish terrier named Gus. Job history: She is a Westfield Village councilwoman and a small-business owner. She worked as a dispatcher at the Medina City Police Department before joining the family business The Interior Design Studio & JK Gift Shop, which she now co-owns with her sister Katie Heinz. Website: votejuliemcnabb.com or Friends of Julie McNabb on Facebook. Cheryl Minichiello, no age provided Party: Democrat Education: She graduated from Orange High School. Her advanced education includes several degrees. Her bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, master's degree in chemical engineering and graduate work in mathematics were the degrees used in her work career. Family: Her parents were born in Ohio, and both parents were veterans. Her father served in World War II as a paratrooper stationed in the South Pacific, while her mother was a Navy WAVE stationed in D.C. who was decoding messages in World War II. Both parents are now deceased. Job history: Her work history includes more than 15 years of engineering work achievements including solving engineering technical problems, lead engineer, project manager and engineering department manager for many high profile engineering projects. She spent more than 15 years teaching mathematics, chemistry, problem solving and group dynamics and did administrative work as an educator, which included curriculum development. She has experience as a small-business owner that operated an advanced dog training business for dog performance competition. She wrote a book on the advanced training platform that she developed, which sold more than 200 copies worldwide. She also holds a private pilot single-engine land license and an instrument rating. Website: N/A MEDINA — Republican Julie McNabb and Democrat Cheryl Minichiello are running for Medina County commissioner in the November election. What makes you the best candidate for the position: McNabb: I'm a lifelong Medina County resident who understands our community because I have been personally involved in building it. The role of commissioner depends on relationships and trust. I've spent my career strengthening those connections, serving on boards such as Main Street Medina, Medina City Economic Development Committee and was the past Greater Medina Chamber board president. I now serve on Westfield Center Council, where I've learned the importance of listening, collaborating and getting things done. I bring practical business experience, a strong work ethic and a commitment to bringing people together to find solutions and move Medina County forward. Minichiello: Many of the county challenges are technical. The background of the current commissioners is not technical. My proven employment history involves solving difficult technical issues. I have managed budgets on large projects, staying within cost and time constraints. Implementation of engineering projects also required strong administrative and organizational skills, as well as managing personnel. Additionally, my years as an educator have given me familiarity with the problems facing educators. In closing, my candidacy is not about being a political candidate seeking to enhance a political career. My candidacy is about solving the problems that the county faces. What is the biggest challenge facing the county, and how would you address it: McNabb: (It's) the rising cost of living, particularly the burden of property taxes on homeowners, especially our seniors. As a small-business owner, I understand the importance of making every dollar count. As commissioner, I will take a close look at county spending, identify inefficiencies and make sure taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly. I will also work with our local leaders to explore opportunities for property tax relief while protecting the services our residents depend on. We can be fiscally responsible, support our communities and continue to make Medina County a great place to work, live and raise a family. Minichiello: Medina County faces more than one challenge. There are multiple challenges. Property tax increases, utility rate increases, expanding budgets, housing, an aging water infrastructure, AI data centers and others. All of these challenges are important. Some of these challenges do not come under the direct purview of the county commissioners, some do; however, the county commissioners exert influence due to their vital role in the county on issues they do not directly control. More transparency and accountability on how tax dollars are spent and how decisions are made on technical issues is critical.