Ready to Serve...

Strongsville's newest councilmen ready for the job

Published: Tuesday, January 03, 2012, 11:39 AM     Updated: Tuesday, January 03, 2012, 11:47 AM

By Jennifer Karpus, Sun News

 

STRONGSVILLE — With the new year comes new representation for two wards in the city.

Matt Schonhut and Jim Carbone officially began their new council terms Jan. 2 when they — along with Mayor Thomas Perciak, Ward 1 Councilman Michael Daymut and Ward 4 Councilman J. Scott Maloney — were sworn in at the Walter F. Ehrnfelt Recreation Center. 

Both council rookies are looking forward to getting acquainted with their new positions and listening to resident opinions. 

At the tender age of 20, Schonhut nonetheless takes his role as Ward 2 councilman seriously. Although he’s pretty sure he is the youngest councilperson ever in Strongsville, his age is not something he focuses or dwells on. He does recognize that his age can help get more representation of the city active.

“Trying to get the younger people more involved is a great thing,” Schonhut said, explaining that getting more people involved will help keep the city vibrant. 

Schonhut starts his term with the talks of a Giant Eagle moving into his ward as a potentially huge economic opportunity — one on which he seeks residents’ input. 

“That’s a pretty big move,” Schonhut said of the Giant Eagle. “There’s a lot of things coming up right away.”

Schonhut said residents of his ward can expect a letter shortly inviting them to meetings in which they can share their views on the proposal. He also plans on having meet-and-greet type meetings with residents after he settles into his new position. He wants to create a more community feel throughout the city, creating more of a universal feel. 

Schonhut also hopes to get residents involved in discussions about the future development of Pearl Road down to Boston Road.

“I’m excited — that’s all I have to say,” Schonhut said about starting work. 

Carbone also expressed his excitement about his new role as Ward 3 council. He is currently trying to absorb all the information he can to serve his ward.

“There is going to be a learning curve,” Carbone said. “It’s trying to take in everything you can.”
Carbone is also looking to listen to residents’ voices about the proposed Giant Eagle in Ward 2 and also about a church in his ward that is looking to expand its parking lot. He wants to have plenty of opportunity for residents to speak.

“We represent the community,” Carbone said. “It’s very important to me that I know what the feel of the people is.”

Carbone plans on setting up meet-and-greet meetings as well, but is still working on details.
Both Schonhut and Carbone are available by phone to their residents at any time. To reach Schonhut, call (440) 554-9840 and to reach Carbone, call (440) 268-8089.

They both will receive city email addresses where residents will also be able to reach them, but they have not yet been activated.