Lafayette Township candidate Carrie Bellar says she would cut taxes, set five-year plan

Carrie Bellar, a candidate for Lafayette Township trustee, told viewers at a Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce and Medina TV candidates forum that her top priorities are reducing township taxes and creating a five-year plan to guide future spending.

"First thing I'd like to do is just reduce our taxes," Bellar said. She also said the township needs "a five year plan" so the trustees can anticipate purchases, plan and save for the future.

Bellar, who said she is originally from the United Kingdom and that she and her husband bought a house in Lafayette Township in February 2019, described herself as a small-business owner with experience in education and mental health. She said her two children moved to the township in 2020.

At the forum, hosted by Jacqueline Ringxmeier of the Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce and Jared Frey, general manager of Medina TV and public information officer for the City of Medina, Bellar said she supports the township's current arrangement for police services with the City of Medina.

"I do like it," Bellar said of the police partnership, adding that she attended the Medina County Citizen Police Academy and found that "they have a good relationship with our township." She said the police-services contract is up for renewal in the near future and characterized the arrangement as positive for residents.

On economic development, Bellar said Lafayette Township has limited commercial activity and many residents prefer to remain rural, but she acknowledged that more businesses would increase tax revenue. She also said she supports continued use of the Innovation Park site (the former University of Akron property) for workforce and training programs such as those operated by the Medina Career Center.

Asked how she would set the tone as a new trustee working with two incumbents, Bellar said professionalism and communication are key. She told viewers that a successful term would be one in which the township does not need to "go to the taxpayers for anything." She said preparing between the November election and a January start date would be important to get up to speed on policies and responsibilities.

Bellar urged voters to cast ballots early or in person on Nov. 4 and closed her forum appearance by asking for votes. "The one thing about being an American is having the right to vote ... I ask for your vote," she said.

The forum segment included no formal motions, votes or policy decisions by Lafayette Township officials; it was an opportunity for the candidate to present her priorities to voters.

Questions raised by Bellar and the hosts included taxes, the police-services contract, economic development and use of the Innovation Park for career training. Specific budget numbers, a detailed tax rollback plan and exact timing for the police contract renewal were not specified during the forum.