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Stoppa emphasizes transparency, financial restraint in Medina Township trustee forum
Summary
Mike Stoppa, a candidate for Medina Township trustee, told a candidates forum he would prioritize transparency, financial oversight and coordination with public safety partners if elected, and outlined steps for managing equipment and levy planning.
Mike Stoppa, a candidate for Medina Township trustee, said he would prioritize transparency and financial responsibility if elected, and asked residents to be involved in budget and levy decisions during a candidates forum hosted by the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce and Medina TV.
Stoppa, who served as a township trustee from 2018 to 2021 and described himself as a former firefighter, told forum moderators that he wants to restore livestreaming of township meetings and increase resident engagement so taxpayers can see "how their tax dollars are being used." He said restoring public access to meetings and regular communication would be a measure of his success in office.
Stoppa outlined why the issue matters, saying trustees must balance near-term needs with longer-term planning. "You have to look at the big picture. You can't just look at what's happening at that time," he said, urging planning on five- to 15-year horizons for equipment and service needs.
On specific priorities, Stoppa said he would review township finances immediately and consider modest reductions where possible. He described the township's tax structure as including "outside millage" that voters have approved for services, and said trustees should determine whether some levies can be reduced while maintaining services. He said trustees should set aside funds on a multi-year schedule to replace major items such as fire apparatus or police vehicles rather than purchasing many at once.
Stoppa described existing partnerships with the city of Medina for fire service as working well but said trustees should continue open discussions about staffing and costs. "Let's sit down and talk where we see the township," he said, adding that the township and city taxes and responsibilities do not always "mesh up" and require clarification for residents.
On development and housing, Stoppa said most of the township's buildable land is already developed, noting one subdivision under way off Jefferson and estimating there are "roughly, I believe, 400 and some businesses in the township." He suggested trustees pursue grant opportunities or talk with county officials about tax relief programs for older residents but said options for adding housing are limited.
Stoppa also said he favored bringing back community events to strengthen civic pride and suggested more consistent communication about annual accomplishments and priorities as a routine practice. He proposed holding public work sessions to solicit resident input when trustees disagree, saying: "Talk to residents. Find out, hey. Here's where we're at. Here's the situation. Here's the way the three of us think we should go. We don't all agree. What do you guys feel is the best way for the township to go forward from there?"
At the close of the forum, Stoppa summarized his campaign focus: "I look to bring, as my focus points for the township as a trustee are financial integrity and transparency with our finances." The forum was presented by the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce and Medina TV; moderators encouraged viewers to participate in the upcoming election.
