New members begin terms on Norton Council

1/9/2014 - West Side Leader

But the four men said they are ready to serve and face the challenges that come from their new roles. Rick Rodgers (Ward 1), Danny Grether (Ward 2), Dennis Pierson (Ward 3) and Paul Tousley (Ward 4) were sworn in at the Jan. 2 organizational meeting after winning in the Nov. 5 General Election. They joined at-large members Scott Pelot, Dennis McGlone and Charlotte Whipkey on Council.

Rodgers, 67, the new Ward 1 Councilman who was elected president at the Jan. 2 meeting, is a retired member of the Akron Fire Department as well as his own home improvement business.

In the election, he defeated Ted Weinsheimer with 64 percent of the vote. Incumbent Todd Bergstrom did not run for re-election.

Rodgers said he wanted to bring new leadership to Council.

After going to some meetings and seeing how things were going, I thought we needed some changes, he said. I hope I can make some changes for the better.

Since the election, Rodgers has been studying the citys charter and budget, as well as the citys plans to install sewers in the Nash Heights neighborhood due to Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates to address failing septic systems.

Ive really spent a lot of time on the sewer issue, he said. I know we have an agreement with the EPA at this point, but Im seeking out a less costly remedy for the problem.

Hes also concerned with the state of the citys roads, costs for the citys fire and police departments and the issue of vacant homes.

Rodgers said he knows most of the new Council members. He added he believes the new members will not hesitate to jump in and start working immediately.

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New members begin terms on Norton Council