Zuber Formally Announces Re-election Plans

Avon Lake Mayor Karl (K.C.) Zuber has made it official: He has declared his candidacy for re-election as mayor of Avon Lake. He filed his petitions last week.

Aug. 10 marks the last day a candidate can file with the Lorain County Board of Elections. Former mayor Rob Berner and Council President Greg Zilka are also running for mayor.

Zuber, who has held a public office in Avon Lake for more than 20 years, said he is seeking reelection to continue moving Avon Lake forward.

“Mayor K.C. Zuber has proven leadership in directing Avon Lake through the worst recession since the Depression,” a press release declaring his candidacy said.

 Zuber said that unlike many other cities, Avon Lake has not laid off any employees during this downturn and he helped maintain the city’s services and a healthy reserve fund during the recession without having to issue a tax increase. 

“Avon Lake is a wonderful community and I want Avon Lake to continue in this award-winning direction and as a great place to live,” he said.

Zuber, who served several stints as a councilman prior to being elected to mayor in November of 2007, noted several accomplishments during his first term in office including the opening of the new , which opened in June of 2010. 

Zuber helped found Save the Woods, which became the Lorain County Metro Park’s . He also assisted with the purchase of five acres of land currently named the Ilg Family Park. 

He said acquiring acquiring land for green space and parks will remain a priority if elected again.   

He also noted a technology upgrade in Avon Lake as  significant accomplishment.

“By installing a new voice-over Internet phone system with a metro Ethernet, this upgrade not only saved $25,000 yearly, but made government more efficient,” Zuber said.

He said the city has moved forward technologically in other areas including having  WiFi added to Bleser and Veterans parks and the new aquatic center. 

“With the introduction of WOW! (Wide Open West) cable, phone and Internet as an alternative, the residents now have choices,” he said.   

Zuber said the cooperative effort between the mayor’s Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) and small local businesses has helped them grow through workshops spearheaded by the EDAB. 

“This Board has also partnered with SCORE and COSE for workshops to help Avon Lake’s small businesses,” Zuber said, pointing to an over 18 percent increase in income tax revenue for 2011 as proof that Avon Lake has weathered this recession.

“I have been proud to serve as mayor of award-winning Avon Lake for the past four years and find serving the people of Avon Lake deeply rewarding,” he said. “I look forward to accomplishing much more in the next four years."