The seven Avon Lake School Board candidates were asked where they stand on Issue 2, the repealing of SB5, at the Avon Lake Candidates’ Night on Oct. 27. Some candidates spoke outright against Issue 2, while some said the district already has controls in place. Note: With the exception of Ron Jantz, who had one minute to respond, the remaining candidates had 30 seconds to respond. 

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Ron Jantz said the school board has a “great relationship” with the teachers’ union. “Teacher performance is covered (in the recently negotiated contract). We have is covered with or without SB5.

Mike Hellyar said Issue 2 “addresses what needs to be addressed but it wasn’t done in the right way.” He feels the issues in the bill need to be addressed one piece at a time.

Thomasina Houston said the school board was not a legislative body and she will enforce whatever law is passed.

Thomas Smith said the bill had good and bad aspects and teachers are already contributing to health care. He noted that the bill prevents the teachers from striking and he believed the teachers have a right to strike.

Jim Stobe said he supports repealing the bill because it’s too far reaching.

Pam Ohradzansky said the bill was very polarizing. She said she supports some of the bill’s aspects but dislikes others. “Whatever the outcome, well deal with it in Avon Lake.”

John Crooks said SB5 needs to be removed because it “doesn’t carry the idea of investing in people.”