“I am honored to have been elected as your next Mayor of North Royalton,” said Mayor-elect Larry Antoskiewicz. “I want to thank everyone who supported me throughout my campaign; I couldn’t have won without all of your help. I truly appreciate all of the calls, texts and messages I have received congratulating me. Thank you for your continued trust in me to lead our community.”
“In this day of political discontent, it was refreshing to see a positive campaign based on facts and each candidate’s vision,” said current mayor, Bob Stefanik. “I am confident that Mayor-elect Larry Antoskiewicz will continue to spend our tax dollars wisely, while maintaining the level of service we are accustomed to in public safety and infrastructure improvements.”
Antoskiewicz received 3580, or 51.14% of the votes, according the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections unofficial count. “I guess I’m a little surprised I got over 50%, with five people running. Obviously, a nice surprise. It’s a mandate of the voters that they want to keep ethical responsibility, conservative spending, while keeping services and everything else that we have.”
Antoskiewicz has lived and worked in North Royalton with his family for about 20 years and is known by many as Larry A to Z, as his last name starts with A and ends with Z. He is a retired Teamsters Union Agent. He has served the North Royalton City Council since 2006, when he was appointed to a vacated seat in Ward 5. He then was elected in 2007 and served two, two-year terms. He was then elected to the seat of Council President in 2011. Antoskiewicz currently chairs the North Royalton Planning Commission and Council’s Finance Committee. During his tenure in City Council, he has actively supported the city, schools and service clubs. As the Chairman of the city’s Finance Committee, he has overseen a balanced budget, while still providing city services, infrastructure improvement and upgrades to city properties.
As part of his vision under his administration, Antoskiewicz stated the following: “I will promote our financial stability to fund new projects, and make sure we find and apply for available grants for future opportunities. I am confident that together, we can continue to grow and live within our means without raising taxes. I will integrate this vital experience with new proposals, like purchasing body cams to protect our officers and residents, and the continued improvements in flood prevention. I am dedicated to working with our new City Council to successfully manage our government and city services.” He also said he will work to enhance the character of North Royalton and initiate a Shop North Royalton program to enhance and promote local business. “As your next Mayor, with the ingenuity and cooperation of fellow citizens, local businesses, and City Council, I will continue to research and carefully consider new opportunities for the promising future of North Royalton,” said Antoskiewicz.
Although this actual term won’t begin until January, Antoskiewicz is already busy with transitional items. When asked what the first thing is on his list, come January, Antoskiewicz simply responded “get to work.” He then mentioned that the city’s yearly budget will be high on the list, as Council adopted a three-month budget this time in order to allow input from the newly elected Mayor. The yearly budget needs to be adopted, according to Ohio law, by the end of March.
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer