Independence council candidates focus on aging infrastructure, Rockside redevelopment and sidewalks at public forum

Candidates for the Independence City Council used a student-moderated forum at Independence High School to lay out divergent priorities on infrastructure, downtown redevelopment and city budgeting.

Vice Mayor Anthony Tagliotti, several incumbent council members and a slate of challengers addressed a string of issues officials have flagged as urgent: a north-south Brecksville Road water main cited as nearly 100 years old, Rockside Road redevelopment and the future of the city’s center, sidewalks on Sprague Road, and whether some city programs or cosmetic projects should be delayed to pay for core infrastructure.

Tagliotti called the aging Brecksville Road water main the forum’s top priority, saying the line is roughly 99 years old and has broken repeatedly this year. He told the audience the council plans to replace the section from Rockside Road north toward the Cornerstone Of Hope and to pursue engineering work on remaining segments. “We have to make up the time and get it done to ensure the quality of life does not suffer for the residents of Independence,” Tagliotti said.

Candidates framed infrastructure choices as linked to broader economic development. Matthew Benkner argued Rockside Road has multiple half-empty office buildings and underused parcels and urged the city to pursue a larger, regional draw — not a typical retail center — to increase tax revenue and relieve pressure on residential property tax rates. “We need something regional, something that attracts people,” he said.

Several candidates emphasized walkability and neighborhood safety. Multiple speakers supported adding sidewalks on Sprague Road to improve pedestrian safety for children and runners; council members noted the road’s complexity because Sprague runs beside another municipality. “Both cities would love to have sidewalks through that entire stretch,” one incumbent said, calling for intercity coordination on cost-sharing and alignment.

The forum also examined how the city weighs quality‑of‑life projects against essential maintenance. A candidate and an incumbent said the $3.5 million item for landscaping at the I‑77/State Route 44 interchange and Rockside entrances is on the city’s five‑year capital plan but argued a replacement of lead service lines and water mains should take priority. One council member noted the $3.5 million is mostly for initial plantings, with annual upkeep in the six figures, and said that ongoing maintenance costs make such projects a long‑term budget commitment.

Public‑safety and addiction recovery were raised as policy concerns beyond infrastructure. Dr. Cheryl Chase, a council candidate and longtime local practitioner, said the city faces substance‑use and mental‑health challenges that have resulted in multiple local deaths. She urged a balanced approach that keeps safety resources robust while expanding mental‑health supports.

Candidates also debated whether to cut city programs that do not break even. Several emphasized that some programs — like youth recreation or senior services — deliver community value despite operating at a loss and cautioned that cuts would reduce quality of life. Council candidates said fiscal reviews should be program‑by‑program and account for broader social benefits.

On economic development and the center of town, candidates proposed differing approaches: some urged carefully calibrated small‑business incentives, others supported targeted redevelopment or improving parking and pedestrian access to make the square more attractive to residents and developers. Several candidates said the city-owned parcels and existing retail mix in the center require multiple development concepts to present residents with options.

The forum included introductions or biographies for candidates not present: a student read a biographical overview for incumbent Councilman Kevin Day, and another read a written statement on behalf of Stephanie Rodriguez, who said she could not attend due to a continuing‑education commitment.

The forum closed with candidates urging residents to stay engaged with council meetings and city plans. Several said they would prioritize transparent communications and faster responses to constituent inquiries if elected. The city election is Nov. 4; candidates urged turnout and review of upcoming capital priorities before voting.