Lafayette Township candidate Steven Domonsky stresses communication, fiscal restraint and limited development at Medina forum

Steven Domonsky, a candidate for Lafayette Township trustee, told a candidates forum hosted by the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce and Medina TV in a Medina studio that he would prioritize improving communication with residents, reduce township spending and resist heavy development in the Innovative Park area.

Domonsky, who described a background in law enforcement and education, said the central role of a trustee is to listen to residents. "The biggest role of a fore trustee is listening to the people. See what their concerns are. See what they want," he said.

The forum appearance included biographical remarks: Domonsky said he grew up in the Cleveland area, earned a B.A. in communications from Cleveland State University, joined the Garfield Heights police department and "retired from there after after, I think it was over 16, 17 years I got injured ... in the line of duty." He said he later taught criminal justice at Remington College.

On development, Domonsky said he does not support heavy industry for the Innovative Park area near the former University of Akron site. "I don't really wanna see industry come in down there myself only because, number 1, I don't think we have the infrastructure in that area to handle, say, semis and stuff," he said, adding that he preferred "an open space, a green space, maybe some parks." He said he wanted to avoid overdevelopment that, in his view, would change the township's character.

Domonsky described support for the township's partnership with the City of Medina for police coverage, saying Medina's department can provide "a little better coverage than the sheriff's" because the sheriff's office covers a wider area. He also cautioned that partnerships should not cause the township to "start losing our identity."

On taxes and spending, Domonsky said residents have told him Lafayette Township is facing a heavy tax burden. He said, "Right now, Lafayette is the highest taxed township in the Medina County public school districts, which is Cloverleaf," and called for rolling back some levies where possible to give residents relief.

Domonsky criticized current board meeting rules on public participation, saying the board allows people to speak only once per meeting. "They have 1 rule in there where you can only talk once a night, which is kinda hard," he said, adding that the restriction discourages residents from fully participating. He said improving communication with residents and enforcing internal rules consistently would be priorities if elected.

The candidate acknowledged limits to local control on some issues and said he would work with other trustees by being direct about his positions and seeking residents' input. "If you want something changed, you do it," he said. He also urged voters to use their ballot: forum hosts reminded viewers to "vote early at the board of elections or in person on November 4." The forum noted candidates in contested races were invited to participate.

Domonsky appears on the ballot as a candidate for Lafayette Township trustee.