Banker Running for Avon Council at-Large

Tammy Holtzmeier recently filed to run for Avon City Council. She is vying for one of the three at-large seats that will be decided on Nov. 5. Six people have announced their candidacy for the at-large positions.

Holtzmeier, 41, said she is running because Avon is at a critical stage of its history.

“We have to continue focusing on job growth and expanding the tax base here in Avon,” she said.  “We have a finite amount of land yet to develop and we must zone, attract and if necessary abate business that will contribute meaningful income to the tax base for years to come.”

Holtzmeier has been managing Profound Communications for the last 13 years. In 2005, as CEO of the company, she made Credit Union Times "40 under 40" list.  

“As a small business owner, mother and working professional who interacts every day with Avon residents, I see firsthand the issues my hometown faces,” she said.  “I understand what our residents want from their city leaders and what Avonites believe our community needs to continue being a great place to live.”

She has had discussions with residents about continuing to manage growth as well as decreasing municipal debt.”

“Improving the road, bridge, sewer and storm water infrastructure of a growing city has been top of mind to residents,” she said. “Residents want to see a more communication about upcoming plans to enhance city services.”

She would like to see the city move forward on a community pool and further sidewalk installation. Plans for a dog park could be in the works if she were elected.

“I’ve made it a point to go door-to-door throughout neighborhoods within the entire city of Avon to seek out different perspectives,” Holtzmeier said. “I believe it is critical to collect many viewpoints to draw informed and balanced conclusions. I am going to do what is right for the growth of our city and I am going to be respectful of our taxpayers and the changes they have endured in the growing process.”

Professionally, Holtzmeier, 41, has actively managed a credit union and bank consulting practice since 2000. Previously she served as the Chief Executive Officer of River Side Federal Credit Union. She has earlier experience as a bank executive in risk management, mergers and marketing with Mid Am Bank and Vacationland Federal Credit Union. She was previously elected to the Board of Directors of Telhio Credit Union.

She said her finance background will immediately be put to use as council faces tough fiscal decisions. 

“As Avon grows, we must continue conducting city business in an accessible and transparent manner,” she said.  “I met recently with Avon’s Finance Director, Bill Logan to review the city’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and other fiscal documents.

 “As TIF’s (tax incremental funding), enterprise zones and abatements are being used to keep Avon growing, the rationale for use as well as the long-term benefits and risk should be more clearly communicated with taxpayers.”

Holtzmeier earned a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University. She has been married for 15 years and has lived in Avon for the past five. She and her husband Brant have three sons who attend Avon City Schools.  Holtzmeier actively volunteers as an elementary room parent and with the Avon Little League and Avon PTA. 

She has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian Ad Litem representing the interests of abused and neglected children in juvenile court. 

Holtzmeier was appointed a member of Hannah Neil Center for Children’s Advisory Board and helped raise more than $150,000 for the launch of MyPlace, a supervised independent living program for minors who are transitioning out of the foster care system due to age. It was the first program of its kind in Ohio for youth.

Also running for council at-large seats are Steven M. Balmert, Lee E Belardo, Michael McDonough, Brian Parsons and Craig Witherspoon.