15, Including 2 Former Council Members, Apply for Open Council Seat

Fifteen Avon Lake residents, including two former council members, have applied to fill the seat vacated by Greg Zilka, who was sworn in as mayor this week. Council will formally appoint one individual.

The deadline for applying was Jan. 4.

Council will interview all candidates on Jan. 14 beginning at 8 a.m., Clerk of Council Barbara Dopp said. Interviews will be in open meeting. The top candidates will be called back for a second interview on Jan 21 and the new member will be sworn in on Jan. 23.

The candidates are: Zachary Arnold, Greenwood Drive; Robert Brooks, Teasel Court; William Gallagher, Fieldstone Circle; Sharon Givler, Carriage Lane; Frank Hamister, Long Pointe; Ian Hessel, Sorrento Lane; Holly Kowalski, Captains Galley; Andrew Perry, Woodfield Drive; Erica Powers, Redwood Boulevard; Neil Rush, Highland Avenue; William Shelton, Monaco Place; Michael Sherban, Pondside Drive; John Shondel, Greenbriar Drive; Jim Simonovich, Quail Hollow Circle; Stacy Stary, Coveland.

Holly Kowalski and Jim Simonovich have both served on city council and ran unsuccessfully for the Ward 1 seat won by Rob James. Gallagher was recently appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission. Andrew Perry is currently a member of the Recreation Commission, Michael Sherban currently serves on Planning Commission and is the Chairman of the Avon Lake Historic Preservation Commission. Frank Hamister is currently the chairman of the Avon Lake Zoning Board of Appeals.

Others are active in community organizations. Robert Brooks and Zach Arnold are recent president of the Avon Lake Kiwanis Club. Sharon Givler has worked as a substitute with the Avon Lake School District. Neil Rush is the publicity chairman of the Avon/Avon Lake Relay for Life.