Lee Belardo Seeking Avon Council-at-Large Seat

Avon attorney Lee Belardo has filed to run for Avon City Council in the November General Election. He is seeking one of three at-large seats.

Belardo, 45, is the principal attorney at L.E. Belardo LLC in Avon.

“With at least three current council members (Bryan Jensen, Kevin Ward and Dan Zegarac) announcing their intentions to run for Mayor of Avon, (Belardo) desires to fill a vacancy created by their departure from City Council,” a press release issued by his campaign said.

An attorney since 1993, Belardo opened his law offices in Avon, representing members of the city and surrounding communities. He said the city needs to remain desirable for businesses.

“Avon needs to remain an attractive place for businesses, including small businesses,” he said. “Successful entrepreneurial ventures supported by smart infrastructure maintenance give Avon its local charm.”

He was appointed to the 2012 Avon City Charter Review Committee by Mayor Jim Smith and elected vice-chair of the committee by the other members.  That committee recommended the change to four-year terms for city council members whom the voters approved last November. 

 “I met many civic minded neighbors as we debated several issues and weighed the options to decide what would be best for the city,” he said. “I came away with a new found respect for those in public office who do this on a daily basis and I aspire to emulate the best of them.”

He said special interest should not prevent the city from continuing its “remarkable growth,” highlighted this year by the city’s No. 3 ranking for northern Ohio Communities by Cleveland Magazine.

“Listening to developers, businesses, and the citizens of Avon whether just moved into town or here for generations is the best way to find consensus for the good of Avon,” he said. “Together, we can move our city forward.”  

He and his wife Michelle, who have lived in Avon for 15 years, have two children, ages 17 and 14.

“One of the reasons I am running is to ensure Avon remains a safe place to raise a family,” Belardo said.

Belardo has been a board member of the Far West Center since 2011, a lector and member of Saint Teresa of Avila Roman Catholic Church and active in Boy Scouts of America, including acting as the Heart of Ohio Council as an Executive Board Member, Vice-President of Membership and Vice-President of Scout Reach.

He has set up a website for his campaign, including contact information.