Incumbent retained in Parma supervisor race

In the end, to build or not to build proved to be not as important as to change or not to change. The Town of Parma turned out in impressive fashion to say keep Republican Supervisor Rick Lemcke for a seventh two-year term.

Lemcke defeated Democratic candidate Tina Brown 2,968 to 1,810.

In the months leading up to the election, much was said about Fairfield Place, a proposed housing development that calls for building apartments, town homes, patio homes, senior housing and single family homes on a site located on the west side of Manitou Road, just north of Ridge Road West. In total it would be 599 units on a 140-acre lot.

Even Lemcke's credibility was called into question by vocal members of the NO RIP (rezoning in Parma) group, because of his relationship to the property as a former minority owner.

"I never underestimate the intelligence of the voters," said Lemcke. "They saw through the special interest and negative campaigning."

Lemcke said in his seventh term he will focus on taxes, the park expansion, and developing Parma.

"I don't expect to mend fences with certain people of the NO RIP group, but I do expect to be able to show everyone how whatever direction we go is the right way for Parma," said Lemcke.
Brown said she learned a lot with her first entry into town politics. "It has been an exciting and very gratifying experience," said Brown. She also vowed to stay active in her community. "I'm going to continue to pursue the town's needs with persistence," she said. "I'll be more involved in all aspects of the town."

Town Board members Joseph Reinschmidt and Richard Yolevich were unopposed as was Highway Superintendent Brian Speer.