Barberton Mayor Bill Judge hosts Fund Raiser for Jon Poda

There was a great turnout at the Barberton Hungarian Club on Thursday, June 13th, as Mayor Bill Judge hosted a Magic City Dog n' Suds fund raiser for Jon Poda, candidate for Barberton Clerk of Courts. A large crowd of citizens, supporters and friends showed up at the club on West Park Avenue to join in on the fun, meet the candidate and enjoy great food and refreshments.

"The Magic City needs a trusted leader like Jon Poda in the Clerk's office," said Mayor Bill Judge. "I ask you to please join me in supporting Jon for Clerk of Barberton Municipal Court."

A Sign of Good Things to Come

It's that time again...and as Election Day draws nearer, the hard work of getting out the votes continues. There are lots of ways to help Jon in his bid to become Barberton's Clerk of Courts--you can volunteer, tell your neighbor's about Jon's background and qualifications, or simply express your support by offering the campaign a sign location.

Interested? Just send us an email at votepoda1@gmail.com and let us know your name, address and phone number, and we'll make sure you get a sign  for your lawn. We'll be happy to get a sign up in the yard and we'll also make sure it gets taken down promptly after Election Day.

Thanks for your interest and support!

JON PODA FILES PETITIONS AS DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR BARBERTON MUNICIPAL CLERK OF COURTS

Jon Poda officially filed his petitions on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 as a Democratic candidate for Barberton Municipal Clerk of Courts. 

Poda’s experience includes more than 20 years as a successful business owner, serving as a Summit County Council At-large member and currently as a Director of the Board of Revision for the Summit County Fiscal Office.

Jon cited his abilities to “do more with less” when county budgets declined and he initiated more cost-effective procedures while he was a member of County Council and as a director of two different county departments.  As Council President in 2010, Jon cosponsored legislation to keep Bridgestone-Firestone and Goodyear in our area, retaining thousands of jobs and cosponsored legislation for the Austen BioInnovation Institute, boosting economic growth and Akron’s Biomedical Corridor.

Jon also led the way in creating the Summit County Methamphetamine Property Awareness Task Force to provide information to potential homeowners and renters regarding property affected by meth labs. He also supported the construction of the new Summit County Veterans Service Commission Center.

“In addition to authoring legislation that became law, I have a history of promoting consumer protection issues and streamlining office procedures," Poda said. "I have experience with record retention, accounting procedures and collection of fees. The duties of the Clerk are administrative and incorporate the business side of the Court process, which is where my strengths are.”

“I believe my strong business background and work ethic, as well as being fiscally responsible while serving the citizens of Summit County in various capacities, will allow me to lead a strong team as Barberton Municipal Clerk of Court,” he added.

Jon and his wife Marjorie reside in Green; they have three children and four grandchildren.

The Barberton Municipal Court District includes the communities of Barberton, Clinton, Copley Township, Coventry Township, Green, New Franklin and Norton.

JON PODA - LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE

In today's political and economic environment, people are demanding more from their leaders. And they should. You don't have to look far to see examples of politicians using their office to advance some ideological agenda or to enhance their own personal gain. This is especially disappointing when so many of our citizens are looking for work, or trying to make ends meet in these tough times, and when city and county budgets are under strain.

That's precisely why Jon Poda turned down the extra $6,200 that came with the job as County Council President. He knew that local governments were being forced to lay off workers, trim budgets and cut programs.

But beyond that, he believes that voters deserve more from the people they elect. Jon believes it's an honor to serve the community, and that it's important for those in public office to show their commitment by making sacrifices, taking on challenges, and getting down to the business of getting things done.

METH AWARENESS: PROTECTING FAMILIES, PRESERVING THE COMMUNITY

During his time in office, Jon Poda has worked hard to mobilize law enforcement and the community to focus on the methamphetamine problem and provide resources that can increase knowledge and help preserve property values throughout Summit County.

As author of the Summit County Methamphetamine Property Awareness Task Force, Jon recognized how this serious problem can not only affect our families and friends, but also affect real estate values in areas where meth labs have been located. In 2008, Jon introduced the legislation that made the Task Force a reality.

To this end, the Methamphetamine Property Awareness Website was developed in concert with the Summit County Sheriff's Office to provide useful resources, including links to property searches that you may find useful. The website was designed to assist residents in determining if a property has been affected by the use or production of meth, and also serve to deliver other useful information on this dangerous drug.


Beyond the affects of the drug on those who use it, Meth is a serious problem, causing environmental harm because of the hazardous wastes that are generated. The chemicals used to make meth are toxic, and the meth lab operators have been known to dump their production waste in houses, backyards, fields, sewage systems and other unsecured locations. It puts children at risk...suffering from neglect after living with parents who “cook” meth in their homes, or who is a meth user.

Working together, we can help eliminate this problem and make our neighborhoods a safer, healthier place for all. Visit the Task force website here.

JON PODA - A SOLID CAREER OF SERVICE. A STRONG COMMITMENT TO LEADERSHIP.

Jon Poda is serving his first term as an At-Large Member on Summit County Council.  He was elected President of Council for 2010. Previously in his term, Mr. Poda served as Council Vice President, Chair of Health and Human Services, and Chair of Public Works. Currently, Mr. Poda serves as a member of Public Works, Rules, Planning and Economic Development, and the Long-Term Planning Committees. As Council President, Mr. Poda also serves on the Investment Advisory Board and the Internal Audit Committee.

In 2008, Mr. Poda sponsored legislation forming the Methamphetamine Property Awareness Task Force, also serving as chairman, which resulted in coordination between law enforcement agencies throughout the county to make information available to homeowners and renters concerning real estate affected by meth labs via the website link http://www.co.summit.oh.us/SCMA.htm . In 2009, Jon authored legislation that banned texting while driving, which resulted in Summit County being the first county in the state of Ohio to pass such a law making the roads safer for travelers.

Council Member Poda is a lifelong resident of Summit County.  He graduated from Garfield High School in 1975, where he was the recipient of the Chrysler Youth Award, and attended the University of Akron.

He was a small business owner for over 20 years and has more than 30 years in professional marketing experience in both the wholesale and retail industries, and currently works in the Office of Sales Management for the Ohio Lottery. 

Jon also holds real estate and appraiser licenses, is a former member of the Summit County Board of Building Appeals, Home Builders Association and various realtor organizations.  In addition, he has been a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Association for 10 years, and has served on the Board of Directors for the Summit County Historical Society.

Jon and his wife, Marjorie, live in Green.  They have three children and two grandchildren.