Issue 2: What do Candidates for Council, School Board Think?

Most candidates for Strongsville City Council and School Board races are opposed to state Issue 2, a referendum on the collective bargaining bill known as Senate Bill 5.

In fact, only one of the 12 wholeheartedly backed SB 5 when asked for his or her position on the controversial issue at a Candidates' Night forum sponsored by the Strongsville Women's League.

Here is a rundown of their answers, in the order in which they spoke Tuesday night:

School Board:

John Pietrasz -- Said SB 5 should be repealed; state leaders and unions should negotiate to find common ground.

Ronald Schroth -- Said unions are here for a purpose. "They have protected people for 100-some years."

Greg Scott -- It would be easier for officials to lean on SB 5 during negotiations, but the easy way isn't always best. Locally, teachers are already giving concessions.

Ruth Brickley --  Does not support SB 5 the way it's written.

Richard Micko -- Definitely in favor of SB 5. He said it makes reasonable requests for teachers to contribute to their health insurance and pensions; he likes the idea of evaluating teachers for raises, and not automatically laying off the most recently hired employees first.

Carl Naso -- "I think there's good and bad." He supports evaluating teachers on performance, but believes the district can negotiate successfully with teachers, noting the $2.6 million in concessions on the most recent contract here.

City Council:

Larry Frawley, Ward 3 -- Said regardless of whether it passes, he would be the better candidate to deal with its impact.

Scott Maloney, Ward 4 -- Liked aspects of the bill, "but I think they went too far." An example: If the city and its police union reached an impasse, the matter would be turned over to City Council to decide.

Patricia Pell, Ward 4 -- Said SB 5 is "a flawed piece of legislation."

Ray Haseley, Ward 2 -- Is undecided, but leaning in favor of SB 5.

Matt Schonhut, Ward 2 -- While there are issues to be worked out on collective bargaining, SB 5 was not well written. "I definitely feel it was rushed."

Jim Carbone, Ward 3 -- Does not favor SB 5. As a police officer in North Olmsted, he said his union gave back 13.5 percent to help the city during tough financial times. "I've seen both sides of it."